Rare AAA Cristobalite Included Libyan Desert Glass 😍! #tektite #meteorite #crystals #gems #geology

Libyan Desert Glass is a variety of tektite (or impactite) that is primarily found in the Libyan Desert that spans parts of both Libya and Egypt. This beautiful glass is the result of a meteor impact. Interestingly this particular tektite has in more recent years been believed to be the result of an air burst. Which is where the meteor exploded with intense force before hitting the ground. No impact site has been found so that was the most logical conclusions. However inclusions of cristobalite and zircon, which require much more heat to form than the typical air burst are calling that into question. Not only is this cristobalite included specimen quite rare (because of the cristobalite) but the quality is much higher than most of what you will see on the market today.

[mooneyfinemineral]

Cristobalite is a silica that forms under very high heat. It's actually one of the things that is making the "air burst" theory for Libyan Desert Glass' origin to be called into question. Air bursts (meteors exploding before impact) do not typically produce the heat necessary for cristobalite and zircon to form.

[amberandrews]

That's gorgeous!! Congratulations, it's definitely a "keeper"! 🥰🥰
Edit: also I love that shirt!!!

[JoanieBC]

That's so cool! I didn't know I needed that for my collection and now I'm sad that I can't have it. 😢😅😂

[EarthScienceFun]

Love those cristobalite inclusions! Great specimens