mineral
Fulgurite
Fulgurite (Lechatelierite / Vitrified Quartz Sand)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 6-7 on Mohs scale, grayish-white or tan color, glassy to dull luster, amorphous crystal structure with hollow tubular form.
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Physical properties
Hardness 6-7 on Mohs scale, grayish-white or tan color, glassy to dull luster, amorphous crystal structure with hollow tubular form.
Formation & geological history
Formed when a high-voltage lightning strike hits silica-rich sand or rock, instantly melting and fusing the material within milliseconds.
Uses & applications
Prized by collectors, scientific researchers studying atmospheric history, and sometimes used in educational displays.
Geological facts
Also known as 'petrified lightning,' these fragile tubes can reach several meters deep into the earth.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hollow, glassy interior lining and rough sandy exterior, typically found in desert dunes or sandy beaches.
