Fulgurite
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Description
A tube of natural glass formed when lightning strikes a dry sandy region, such as a desert or a beach. A fulgurite is composed of almost pure Silica. The most common is a sand fulgurite, that forms fractal cylindrical branches, similar to a tree. The central cavity is usually lined with glass, and the exterior shows adhering sand grains. Other types or fulgurites are usually vesicular, and may lack an open central tube; their exteriors can be porous or smooth.
Synonyms and Related Terms
lechatelierite
Resources and Citations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: fulgurite
- Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulgurite (Accessed August 2020)