mineral
Libyan Desert Glass
Impactite (vitreous silica), SiO2
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
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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.
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