mineral
Fulgurite
Lechatelierite (Silica Glass)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, typically gray, brown, or black, glassy to dull luster, amorphous crystal structure, brittle with conchoidal fracture.
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 to 6 on the Mohs scale, typically gray, brown, or black, glassy to dull luster, amorphous crystal structure, brittle with conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed when lightning strikes sand or soil, fusing the silica together at extremely high temperatures (over 1,800 degrees Celsius) in a matter of seconds.
Uses & applications
Prized by mineral collectors, used in scientific research regarding ancient atmospheric conditions and lightning strikes.
Geological facts
Fulgurites are often called 'fossilized lightning'. They can form deep, branching tubes underground tracing the path of the electrical discharge.
Field identification & locations
Found in sandy deserts, beaches, and high-altitude mountain peaks where lightning strikes are frequent. Identified by its hollow, glassy tubular structure and fused sand grains.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary