Established 1982

FULGURITES Page 1

Updated 22 October  2006

In this section are found the product of lightning strikes - fulgurites. The name fulgurite comes from the Latin word Fulgur which means lightning. Fulgurites take many shapes, sizes, and colorations depending on the material being fused by the lightning strike. If in rock, the fulgurite may actually be solid. On the other hand, some of the finest examples are produced in sand. When lightning strikes sand, hollow tubes can be formed by the intense heat. After cooling, a myriad of glassy shapes remain, many of which are hollow. Some fulgurites will have sand or partially melted globs of fused material adhering to the exterior. The interiors of the tubes are typically smooth and glassy. 

SOUTHWEST EGYPT

Fulgurites from this area are some of the finest found and one of the most famous locations on earth - the Great Sand Sea of Southwestern Egypt. Please order by number.

This is a rather flat example of a fulgurite where the molten material collapsed. It measures 13 cm long and about 10-15 mm in diameter. Number E10. Price: SOLD

Here is another thin (~10 mm) tubular fulgurite, about 12.5 cm long, and without globules. Number E14. SOLD

ALGERIA

The fulgurites from this area of the world are interesting in that they are mostly solid. However, they do show the characteristic "splay" lines of high voltage current. They tend to be much more massive than the Egyptian fulgurites. The exteriors are very rough and bits of sand fused in the walls is common. Please order by number.

This specimen is approximately 11 cm in length and averages about 4 cm in thickness. A very attractive example. Number A1. Priced at SOLD

This specimen is approximately 12 cm in length and 4-5 cm in thickness. This specimen has a small opening in one end. Number A2. Priced at SOLD