By Chisom Ibemere
Fulgurites commonly called “fossilized lightning”, are natural tubes, clumps, or masses of sintered, vitrified, or fused soil, sand, rock, organic debris and other sediments.
The intense heat from the lightning causes the sand to melt which then cools rapidly to form a unique, glassy structure. The name “fulgurite” comes from the Latin word “fulgur” meaning lightning.
Fulgurites occur in areas where lightning strikes sandy or silicate-rich soil, such as deserts, beaches, or sandy plains.
They are relatively rare and are basically found buried within layers of sand or soil. They are primarily prized for their aesthetic value and sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
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Fulgurites are used in jewellery production and as decorative pieces. This is because of their unique, glassy appearance and the fascinating natural phenomenon they represent.
It has a tubular or branch-like structure, resembling intricate glass sculptures. The shape is influenced by factors such as the path and intensity of the lightning strike as well as the composition of the surrounding soil or sand.
Fulgurites are composed mainly of fused quartz or silica, resulting from the melting and subsequent rapid cooling of the sand or soil. It has a transparent or translucent to various shades of brown or black which depends on the degree of impurities present.
Fulgurites are relatively fragile and can be easily broken or fractured due to their glass-like nature. It can vary significantly in size, with some reaching lengths of several meters, while others are only a few centimeters long.
The global value of fulgurites lies primarily in their rarity, unique appearance, and symbolic significance as rare natural formations resulting from the power of lightning.
It hold scientific value as they provide insights into the geological effects of lightning strikes and can contribute to research on lightning behavior and its impact on the Earth’s surface.
