Natural glass gemstones are caused by extraordinary geological events, such as intense heat and cataclysmic impacts. Natural glass gemstones include tektites, fulgurites and other stunning formations. It occurs in colors like black, bronze, green and sunny yellow.
Natural Glass
Natural glass is a non-crystalline solid formed primarily through rapid cooling of molten rock. Unlike traditional crystalline rocks, which have a well-defined internal structure, natural glass lacks a definite crystal lattice, leading to unique textures and appearances.
It can contain various impurities responsible for a colorful spectrum of hues. Natural glass is a favorite among gem enthusiasts and collectors. Volcanic eruptions can create vast areas of glass within hours.
Tektites - Meteor Impact
Tektites are a form of natural glass rich in silicon, created by the intense heat generated when a meteorite hits Earth. When the energy from the collision vaporizes terrestrial materials, these substances cool rapidly as they are ejected into the atmosphere.
They return to Earth eventually as small glass blobs. Tektites are usually found in strewn fields surrounding the impact site. Their characteristics vary based on the environmental and geological conditions during formation.
Tektites vary in size, shape, and color. Some are small pebble-like objects, while others are elongated and aerodynamic. The Australasian tektite strewn field covers over 1.7 million square kilometers across Southeast Asia. Tektites give insight into cosmic events.
Fulgurites - Lightning Strike
Fulgurites are natural glass structures formed when lightning strikes sand or soil. The intense heat instantly melts the silica in the sand. The energy from lightning melts the surrounding particles, fusing into distinct tubular structures that can measure several inches in length.
These glass tubes are often hollow and showcase a unique texture reminiscent of tree roots.
Fulgurites typically occur in sandy regions, such as deserts and beaches. They appear in earthy tones, influenced by the impurities in the original materials.
Fulgurites are relatively rare since the precise conditions for their formation must align perfectly. They can be hard to find, often hidden under the surface. They can vary in shape and size depending on intensity and duration of the lightning strike.
Nuclear Explosion
The sudden intense heat of a nuclear explosion, as at the Trinity site in the United States, causes silica in sand to fuse. It creates scattered glass throughout the explosion site. Nuclear glass is not specifically natural glass, as it's created by a human-made weapon.
However, just as a substance like lechatelierite can be created by a lightning strike or high voltage power lines zapping sand, trinitite falls into the category of natural glass. It is a desirable item for collectors and researchers.
Types of Natural Glass
1. Obsidian
Formation: Obsidian is volcanic glass formed when lava cools rapidly, preventing crystals from forming.
Composition: Mostly silica (SiO2) with minor amounts of iron, magnesium, and other minerals.
Location: Commonly found in regions with recent volcanic activity such as the United States, Japan, and Iceland.
Unique Features: Shiny and usually black, although it can appear in other colors due to impurities; exhibits conchoidal fractures.
Uses: Traditionally used by indigenous cultures for tools and weapons; now popular in jewelry and decorative items.
Value and Rarity: Generally low cost but high-quality specimens can command higher prices.
Obsidian is perhaps the most well-known type of natural glass. This volcanic glass forms when lava cools rapidly, typically during explosive eruptions. Composed mainly of silica, obsidian features a smooth, glassy texture and striking black color.
Above, magma has extruded as lava and cooled quickly due to temperature change. Sudden cooling can also happen when lava flows into the sea. Snowflake obsidian is a volcanic glass formed as an igneous rock, when felsic lava cools down with very minimum crystal growth.
Impurities can create green, brown, or even rainbow hues. Found in volcanic regions worldwide, obsidian has been used since Neolithic times to craft tools, weapons, and ornaments.
Its sharp edges make it ideal for cutting and carving. High-quality obsidian can be rare, depending on color and patterns, and is highly valued among collectors. For example, a piece of blue obsidian can fetch over $1000 in the market.
2. Impactite or Impact Glass
Formation: Created during meteorite impacts when rocks and sediments are subjected to intense heat and pressure.
Composition: Highly variable, can include silica, metals, and various minerals depending on local geology.
Location: Commonly found near large impact craters, such as the Barringer Crater in Arizona.
Unique Features: Typically features a glassy texture and can be found in shapes related to the impact event.
Uses: Used in jewelry and as collector's items; research interest in planetary science.
Value and Rarity: Rare and sought after, especially specimens associated with significant impact sites.
Impactite, also known as impact glass, forms when a meteorite strike vaporizes and melts surrounding materials under extreme heat and pressure. Impactite features unusual textures and may contain bubbles or shock features, clues about its violent creation.
Found near impact craters, impactites can vary in appearance, often resembling a blend of glass and rock. These rare stones are valuable for both scientific research and as collectibles for enthusiasts intrigued by space and geology.
Impact glass from the Chicxulub crater, related to the dinosaur extinction, offers unique research opportunities. The Chicxulub is an impact crater buried underneath the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Its center is offshore.
3. Libyan Desert Glass
Formation: This tektite is the result of high-energy events, possibly caused by a meteorite impact.
Composition: Silica-rich glass, often referred to as Libyan Gold Glass.
Location: Primarily found in the vast stretches of the Libyan Desert in North Africa.
Unique Features: Translucent golden color; forms irregular shapes and has been revered since ancient times.
Uses: Used in jewelry, decorative carvings, and ancient artifacts.
Value and Rarity: Highly prized due to its beauty and historical significance.
Libyan Desert Glass, also called Great Sand Sea Glass, is a rare natural glass from the Libyan desert. Formed by intense heat, possibly from an ancient meteorite impact or solar radiation, this glass has a distinct yellow or golden hue, attributed to its high silica content.
Libyan Desert Glass has a smooth surface and sometimes, bubble-like inclusions. Valued for beauty and historical significance, this translucent gemstone is used in ancient Egyptian jewelry. Its rarity and connection to bygone cultures make it a coveted piece among collectors.
4. Moldavite
Formation: Formed from a meteorite impact approximately 15 million years ago, resulting in a unique green glass.
Composition: Silica, with traces of aluminum and other elements.
Location: Exclusively found in the Czech Republic, particularly near the Moldau River.
Unique Features: Green color, unique surface texture; often includes bubbles and inclusions.
Uses: Popular among collectors and used in healing practices; incorporated into jewelry.
Value and Rarity: Rare and considered valuable due to its distinct color and limited geographic availability.
Moldavite is a unique green tektite formed from a meteorite collision in the Czech Republic about 15 million years ago. The impact melts local silicates, creating a glass ranging in color from deep forest green to light olive.
Moldavite is highly sought after among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and unique origins. Some believe it is one of many gems with metaphysical properties associated with personal transformation and spiritual growth.
This popularity, further fueled by sellers just as in ancient times, leads to high demand. Since moldavite is found only in a specific region, it can be relatively rare, further enhancing its value. Buyers beware - this glass is often faked.
5. Lechatelierite
Formation: Formed by the fusion of silica-rich material due to extreme heat from lightning or volcanic activity.
Composition: Pure silica (SiO2).
Location: Found in specific locations where lightning has struck sandy soil, often disappears into the landscape.
Unique Features: Often appears as elongated tubes or glassy nodules.
Uses: Mainly of interest in scientific research; not commonly used in jewelry.
Value and Rarity: Relatively rare due to specific formation processes.
Lechatelierite is a type of natural glass primarily formed through high-temperature silicate fusion from meteorite impacts. Distinct from other glass types, lechatelierite usually forms when quartz sand melts alongside other materials.
These glass formations are typically translucent and often colorless, although they can be opaque as the one below. They occur near impact sites and as volcanic glass. Lechatelierite can be hard to find and is less common compared to other natural glass types.
6. Trinitite
Formation: Created from the first atomic bomb test at the Trinity Site in New Mexico in 1945.
Composition: Comprised of melted sand and other materials from the explosion, primarily silica.
Location: Found at the Trinity Site, the location of the first nuclear explosion.
Unique Features: Greenish glassy material; often contains minerals like feldspar and quartz.
Uses: Considered a collector's item and a historical artifact.
Value and Rarity: Varied, but authentic specimens from the Trinity Site can hold significant value.
Trinitite, also known as Alamogordo glass, is a human-made glass as it's formed during nuclear testing. The intense heat from the explosion melts desert sand, resulting in a glassy substance with greenish hue and a granular texture.
This glass holds significant historical value, representing advancement of nuclear weaponry. While not rare in its location, trinitite is both a collector's item and a scientific curiosity, with prices reaching hundreds of dollars at auctions.
7. Edeowie Glass
Formation: This natural glass is created by ancient volcanic activity in Australia.
Composition: Comprised primarily of silica with possible inclusions of other minerals.
Location: Found in the Edeowie area of South Australia, near the Flinders Ranges.
Unique Features: Often brown or greenish in color with interesting surface patterns.
Uses: Interest among geologists; can be fashioned into jewelry.
Value and Rarity: Less commonly found, thus can be valuable but is not as widely recognized.
Edeowie glass is found in the Edeowie area of South Australia. This glass originates from intense weathering and alteration of volcanic rock, leading to a unique glassy texture and appearance.
Composed of silica and various minerals, Edeowie glass varies in color and transparency. Though not as recognized as other glass types, it is cherished by collectors for its distinctiveness and localized occurrence.
Non-Fiction Books:
Fiction Books:
READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series
READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries