Libyan Desert Glass

Discover our collection of Libyan Desert Glass, one of the world's most remarkable natural impact glasses, found within the Great Sand Sea of the eastern Sahara, spanning south-western Egypt and eastern Libya.

Current scientific research indicates that Libyan Desert Glass formed approximately 29 million years ago when an extreme high-energy event generated temperatures sufficient to melt vast quantities of silica-rich desert sand into natural glass. While the impact origin is widely accepted, researchers continue to investigate the precise mechanism responsible for its formation, making it an active area of geological research.

Libyan Desert Glass has been recognised for thousands of years. Its historical significance extends to Ancient Egypt, where a carved scarab fashioned from this distinctive yellow glass was incorporated into the pectoral jewellery of Tutankhamun, providing one of the earliest known examples of natural impact glass being used in decorative art.

Our collection showcases specimens selected for their provenance, natural characteristics and geological interest.

As our collection continues to grow, additional Libyan Desert Glass specimens will be added.

Why Collect Libyan Desert Glass?

• Natural impact glass from the Great Sand Sea.
• Formed approximately 29 million years ago.
• Historically associated with Ancient Egypt.
• Mentioned in connection with Tutankhamun's famous pectoral.
• Every specimen is naturally unique.
• An excellent addition to impact glass, meteorite and natural history collections.

Featured Specimens

Our collection may include:

• Raw Specimens
• Collector Specimens
• Display Specimens
• Polished Specimens
• Jewellery

As our collection grows, additional Libyan Desert Glass specimens and preparations will become available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Libyan Desert Glass?

Libyan Desert Glass is a naturally occurring impact glass found within the Great Sand Sea of Egypt and Libya. It is composed primarily of silica and is recognised for its distinctive yellow to pale golden colour.

Is Libyan Desert Glass a tektite?

No. Libyan Desert Glass is generally classified as a natural impact glass rather than a tektite because its formation and characteristics differ from recognised tektites.

How old is Libyan Desert Glass?

Current research indicates that Libyan Desert Glass formed approximately 29 million years ago.

Why is Libyan Desert Glass associated with Tutankhamun?

A carved scarab made from Libyan Desert Glass was used in the pectoral discovered within the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, making it one of the earliest known uses of natural impact glass in decorative jewellery.

Is the origin of Libyan Desert Glass fully understood?

Its formation is widely accepted as the result of an extreme high-energy event. However, aspects of the impact process continue to be investigated through ongoing geological research.

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• Impactites & Impact Glass
• Tektites
• Darwin Glass
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• Meteorite Specimens