Product Description
Libyan Desert Glass Specimen priced by weight
Mineral Information:
Libyan Desert Glass, also known as Libyan Desert Silica Glass or Great Sand Sea Glass, is a naturally occurring glass that is found in the eastern Sahara Desert, specifically in the areas of western Egypt and eastern Libya. It is believed to have formed around 26 million years ago when a meteorite or comet impact occurred in the region.
Libyan Desert Glass has a distinctive yellowish-green to transparent color and can be found in various forms, including fragments, large masses, and even sculptures shaped by natural erosion. It is composed mainly of silica, with trace amounts of other elements such as iron, magnesium, and sulfur. The glass is usually found scattered across the desert surface or buried in sand dunes.
The origin of Libyan Desert Glass has been a subject of scientific debate, but the most widely accepted theory is that it formed as a result of an extraterrestrial impact. The intense heat generated by the impact melted the sand and transformed it into glass. The glass was then ejected into the atmosphere and fell back to the ground as solidified droplets.
Libyan Desert Glass is highly valued by collectors and researchers due to its rarity and unique properties. It is often used in jewelry and decorative objects. Scientists study this glass to gain insights into ancient impact events and to understand the formation and behavior of glass under extreme conditions.
Metaphysical Meaning:
Libyan Desert Glass symbolizes transformation and change through the story of how the glass itself was formed through the intense heat and impact of a meteorite or comet. It is also said to facilitate spiritual expansion and higher consciousness, and to facilitate spiritual insight, intuition, and connection with higher realms.
Mineral Care:
Libyan Desert Glass, despite its appearance as glass, is actually considered to be quite fragile. While it may appear solid and sturdy, it has unique characteristics that make it susceptible to damage:
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Amorphous Structure: Libyan Desert Glass lacks a crystalline structure, which gives it its glass-like appearance. Instead, it has an amorphous structure, meaning its atoms and molecules are arranged randomly, without a repeating pattern. This structure makes it inherently less structurally stable compared to crystalline materials.
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Low Hardness: Libyan Desert Glass has a relatively low hardness on the Mohs scale, typically ranging from 5 to 6. This means it can be easily scratched or abraded by harder materials. Even minor contact with sharp or abrasive objects can cause visible damage to its surface.
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Weathering and Erosion: Libyan Desert Glass has been subjected to weathering and erosion processes over millions of years. The constant exposure to wind, sand, and other natural elements can cause the glass to become brittle and more prone to breakage. This is particularly true for smaller fragments that have experienced significant wear and tear.
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Brittleness: Libyan Desert Glass is inherently brittle, meaning it lacks flexibility and has low resistance to deformation before fracturing. Its brittle nature makes it susceptible to cracking or breaking when subjected to stress, impact, or sudden changes in temperature.
Due to its fragility, it is important to handle Libyan Desert Glass with care. If you possess Libyan Desert Glass specimens or jewelry made with it, it is advisable to store them in a protective case or wrap them in soft materials to prevent accidental damage. It's also recommended to avoid exposing Libyan Desert Glass to extreme temperature changes, direct sunlight, or harsh chemicals, as these factors can further compromise its integrity.
Disclaimer:
No information here is intended to diagnose, treat or cure ailments or afflictions of any kind. One should always consult a medical professional if a serious issue presents itself.
