History of Science & Technology, Including the World of Richard Feynman, and Natural History
History of Science & Technology, Including the World of Richard Feynman, and Natural History
Fulgurite
"Fossilized Lightning"
No reserve
Lot Closed
December 13, 08:05 PM GMT
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Fulgurite — "Fossilized Lighting"
Sahara Desert, Egypt
28 x 2 x 1½ inches (71 x 5.1 x 3.8 cm). 262 grams (.56 lb). With custom stand.
Named for the Latin word for lightning ("fulgur") and often known as "fossilized lightning," fulgurite is formed when lightning strikes the earth, causing the ground—in this case, the sand of the Sahara desert—to sinter and vitrify, creating long rods of silica glass. This exceptionally long, surprisingly lightweight specimen might be reminiscent of tree bark, but it is in fact the physical manifestation of lightning, beautifully captured and preserved.