mineral

Libyan Desert Glass

Impactite (High-silica tektite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs), Color: Pale yellow to canary yellow or greenish-yellow, Luster: Vitreous, Structure: Amorphous (glassy), Specific Gravity: 2.21

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous, Structure: Amorphous (glassy), Specific Gravity: 2

Identified May 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs), Color: Pale yellow to canary yellow or greenish-yellow, Luster: Vitreous, Structure: Amorphous (glassy), Specific Gravity: 2.21

Formation & geological history

Formed approximately 26 to 29 million years ago during a meteorite impact or high-altitude airburst over the eastern Sahara desert. The intense heat melted surface sand into silica glass.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, decorative carvings, and as a highly sought-after metaphysical and geological collector's item.

Geological facts

A famous piece of Libyan Desert Glass was carved into a scarab for King Tutankhamun's pectoral necklace. It is one of the purest natural silica glasses on Earth.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its unique yellow translucency and lechatelierite inclusions. Found exclusively in the Great Sand Sea of western Egypt and eastern Libya.