mineral

Libyan Desert Glass

Tektite (high-silica impact glass), SiO2

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Pale yellow, honey yellow, or greenish-yellow; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Specific Gravity: 2.21

Hardness: 6
Color: Pale yellow, honey yellow, or greenish-yellow
Luster: Vitreous

Identified March 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Pale yellow, honey yellow, or greenish-yellow; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Specific Gravity: 2.21

Formation & geological history

Formed approximately 26-29 million years ago (Oligocene) during a high-energy meteoric impact or aerial burst over the Great Sand Sea in the Sahara Desert, which melted the local silica sand into glass.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for lapidary work, jewelry (pendants and beads), and as a highly sought-after specimen for meteorite and mineral collectors.

Geological facts

A scarab centerpiece in King Tutankhamun's burial pectoral was discovered to be carved from Libyan Desert Glass, proving its value in ancient Egypt. It is composed of nearly 98% pure silica.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its translucent yellow color, wind-sculpted pitted surface (regmaglypts), and lack of internal heat-tempering marks unlike man-made glass. Found exclusively in the Libyan Desert along the Egyptian border.

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