mineral
Fulgurite
Fulgurite (Lechatelierite/Fused Quartz Sand)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Color ranges from grey, tan, to blackish-brown due to impurities. Vitreous to dull luster with a glassy, hollow interior tube structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Color ranges from grey, tan, to blackish-brown due to impurities. Vitreous to dull luster with a glassy, hollow interior tube structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed when a lightning strike hits sandy soil or rock, instantly melting and fusing the silica at temperatures exceeding 1,800 degrees Celsius.
Uses & applications
Collected by enthusiasts and used in scientific research studying ancient lightning strikes and paleoclimates.
Geological facts
Commonly known as 'fossilized lightning,' these fragile tubes capture the exact path of an electrical discharge through the ground.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its glassy, melted interior lining and fragile, sand-encrusted exterior. Found globally in deserts, sandy beaches, and high-altitude mountain peaks prone to lightning.
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