mineral
Fulgurite
Fulgurite (Lechatelierite/Silica glass)
Hardness of 5.5-6.5 (Mohs scale), colors range from grayish-white, brown, to black, vitreous to dull luster, amorphous crystal structure (glassy, non-crystalline), specific gravity around 2.2.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Fulgurite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 5.5-6.5 (Mohs scale), colors range from grayish-white, brown, to black, vitreous to dull luster, amorphous crystal structure (glassy, non-crystalline), specific gravity around 2.2.
Formation & geological history
Formed when a lightning bolt strikes sand, soil, or rock, instantly melting and fusing the material at temperatures exceeding 1,800 degrees Celsius.
Uses & applications
Prized by mineral collectors, used in scientific research regarding ancient atmospheric conditions and lightning strikes, and sometimes used in jewelry making.
Geological facts
Often called 'fossilized lightning', fulgurites preserve hollow tubes where the steam and gases expanded during the lightning strike.
Field identification & locations
Found in sandy deserts, beaches, and high-altitude mountain peaks where lightning strikes frequently. Look for glassy, fragile, sand-encrusted tubes.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic