Fulgurite
Image: James St. John (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameFulgurite
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness5.5
Crystal Systemamorphous
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.2
Colorstan, light brown, off-white
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalitySahara Dune Field, Morocco
Mineral GroupSilicates (mineraloid)
Usesscientific interest, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, clay minerals
Rarityuncommon
Description
This fulgurite exhibits a rough, tubular, and highly vesicular texture, with an off-white to light brown color and visible sand grains embedded on its surface.
Geological Context
Fulgurites are formed when lightning strikes unconsolidated materials like sand or soil, instantly melting and fusing the silica-rich components into a glassy, tubular structure.
