Description
Genuine Libyan Desert Glass – Sahara Desert Specimen
This listing is for a genuine Libyan Desert Glass specimen from the Sahara Desert, sized approximately 20–60mm. The photograph shown represents an example of the actual specimen you will receive. Each piece is carefully selected for colour, clarity, and natural surface character.
Your specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it is a genuine natural impact glass. Please refer to the photos for full sizing and scale details.
What Is Libyan Desert Glass
Libyan Desert Glass is a rare natural glass formed approximately 29 million years ago in the eastern Sahara, near the border region of modern-day Libya and Egypt. It is classified as a natural silica-rich impact glass, often grouped alongside tektites, although it differs slightly in formation characteristics.
It is composed primarily of nearly pure silicon dioxide (SiO₂), often exceeding 95–98% silica content. This exceptionally high purity contributes to its distinctive colour and translucency.
Key material data:
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Type: Natural Impact Glass
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Composition: Predominantly Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂)
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Age: ~29 million years (Oligocene epoch)
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Formation Environment: Hypervelocity impact or atmospheric explosion event
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Hardness: Approximately 6 on the Mohs scale
Geological Formation & Impact Origin
Libyan Desert Glass formed when a meteorite impact or atmospheric explosion generated temperatures high enough to melt vast quantities of desert sand. The intense heat fused silica grains into glass, which then cooled rapidly and solidified across a wide strewn field covering hundreds of square kilometres.
Unlike volcanic glass such as obsidian, Libyan Desert Glass is directly linked to extraterrestrial impact processes. Microscopic studies have revealed shock features and mineral inclusions that support its impact origin.
The material is found scattered across the Great Sand Sea and is often partially buried beneath desert sands, where it has remained preserved for millions of years.
Colour, Transparency & Surface Features
Libyan Desert Glass is best known for its distinctive colouring, which typically ranges from:
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Pale yellow
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Golden honey
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Light champagne
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Soft amber tones
Many specimens are translucent to semi-transparent, especially when held to light. Natural surface textures may include:
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Wind-polished edges
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Pitted or sculpted surfaces from desert abrasion
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Internal bubbles
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Swirling silica flow patterns
Each piece is entirely natural and untreated, retaining its authentic desert-formed character.
Historical & Collecting Significance
Libyan Desert Glass has been valued since ancient times. Notably, a carved scarab made from this material was discovered in the burial treasures of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, demonstrating its historical importance.
Today, it is highly sought after by:
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Meteorite and impact glass collectors
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Geological specimen collectors
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Natural history enthusiasts
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Unique gift buyers
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Those interested in rare desert minerals
In spiritual traditions, Libyan Desert Glass is traditionally associated with transformation and cosmic connection; however, this listing presents it purely as a natural geological specimen.
Size, Display & Authenticity
With a size range of approximately 20–60mm, this specimen is ideal for display, study, or collection. Its natural form and colour make it visually distinctive among both minerals and impact materials.
Product details:
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Genuine Libyan Desert Glass
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Origin: Sahara Desert
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Size Range: Approximately 20–60mm
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Natural impact glass formation
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Carefully selected specimen
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Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card
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Photo shows an example of the actual specimen you will receive
A rare and historically significant natural impact glass from the Sahara Desert, offering collectors an authentic piece of Earth’s geological and extraterrestrial history.





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