By Chisom Ibemere
Libyan Desert Glass is known by various names, such as the Great Sand Sea Glass or Egyptian Desert Glass. It is a naturally occurring glass believed to have formed over 29 million years ago. It is found in the Great Sand Sea region of the Libyan Desert in western Egypt.
Libyan Desert Glass is located in a specific area in the desert, covering an estimated 6,000 square kilometers. Its formation is the result of the impact of a meteorite or comet that struck the desert, causing the desert sand to melt and fuse into a glass-like material.
Valued for its beauty and rarity, Libyan Desert Glass is sought-after by gemstone enthusiasts and meteorite collectors. It is often used in jewelry, cut into cabochons, beads, and sometimes even faceted for use in rings, pendants, and other decorative pieces. It is also of interest to those interested in the metaphysical properties and energy of unique gemstones.
Libyan desert glass is characterized by a pale yellow to golden yellow color with a translucent appearance. It has a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale and a glassy luster. It is transparent to translucent with a refractive index of 1.50.
Considered highly valuable in the gemstone market due to its rarity and unique origin, Libyan Desert Glass’s scarcity and distinct appearance contribute to its desirability.
Its price can vary depending on factors such as size, quality, and market demand. It is often more valuable as a specimen or in jewelry created by reputable designers or featuring unique designs.