mineral

Libyan Desert Glass

Impactite (vitreous silica), SiO2

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5-7. Color: Yellow, pale green, or golden yellow. Luster: Vitreous. Crystal Structure: Amorphous (glassy). Specific Gravity: 2.2.

Hardness: 6
Color: Yellow, pale green, or golden yellow
Luster: Vitreous

Identified May 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7. Color: Yellow, pale green, or golden yellow. Luster: Vitreous. Crystal Structure: Amorphous (glassy). Specific Gravity: 2.2.

Formation & geological history

Formed approximately 29 million years ago during a meteorite impact in the eastern Sahara Desert (Libyan/Egyptian border). The intense heat melted surface sand into silica glass.

Uses & applications

Used in high-end jewelry, lapidary arts, and as a highly sought-after metaphysical and scientific collector's item.

Geological facts

This material was used to carve the scarab centerpiece of Pharaoh Tutankhamun's pectoral necklace. It is one of the purest natural silica glasses on Earth.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its unique yellow translucency, bubbly inclusions, and lechatelierite (melted quartz) streaks. Found only in the Great Sand Sea of Egypt/Libya.