Gemstone profile and identification guide

Libyan Desert Glass

Libyan desert glass is a natural silica glass from the Sahara, widely considered impact-related in origin.

6 Mohs Pale Yellow, Yellow Mineraloid (Natural Silica Glass, Impact-Related)

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Overview

Libyan desert glass is a natural silica glass from the Sahara, widely considered impact-related in origin.

Did you know? A carved scarab of this material appears in the pectoral of Tutankhamun.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Libyan Desert Glass

Scientific classification: Mineraloid (Natural Silica Glass, Impact-Related)

Hardness: 6 Mohs

Transparency: translucent

Lustre: vitreous

Crystal system: Amorphous

Primary colour: Pale Yellow

Secondary colour: Yellow

Colour family: Oranges & Yellows

Yellow glassy appearance, bubbles, and desert provenance are key identifying factors.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: hard

Hardness value: 6 Mohs

Chemical composition: Natural silica-rich glass (high SiO2)

Crystal system: Amorphous

Common locations: Great Sand Sea (Libya-Egypt border region)

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Pale yellow to yellow natural silica glass from the Libyan-Egyptian desert.

Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Natural silica glass

Mineral group: Mineraloid

Chemical formula: Natural silica-rich glass (high SiO2)

Mohs hardness: 6

Crystal system: Amorphous

Lustre: vitreous

Transparency: translucent

Streak: White

Cleavage: None

Fracture: Conchoidal

Specific gravity: 2.2-2.3

Refractive index: 1.46-1.48

Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic

Colour range: Pale yellow to yellow-green

Common inclusions: Gas bubbles, flow lines, mineral inclusions

Geological environment: Desert silica-glass field associated with high-temperature event

Principal mining regions: Great Sand Sea (Libya-Egypt border region)

Important commercial sources: Commercial and collector Libyan desert glass is sourced from the Great Sand Sea region

Historical significance: Known from ancient Egyptian artifacts and modern collector markets.

Common treatments: Generally untreated.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Colored glass can imitate appearance.

Common look-alikes: Moldavite (different color range), yellow glass, slag glass

Jewellery uses: Used in cabochons, pendants, and collector tektite-like material.

Care recommendations: Moderately durable but brittle; avoid strong impacts and rapid thermal changes.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Libyan Desert Glass.

Formation

Likely formed by high-temperature events in desert sand, commonly interpreted in impact-related models.

Origin

Commercial and collector Libyan desert glass is sourced from the Great Sand Sea region

Uses

Best for: Used in cabochons, pendants, and collector tektite-like material.

Ideal uses: Collector and occasional jewelry use emphasizing natural desert-glass character.

Care

Moderately durable but brittle; avoid strong impacts and rapid thermal changes.

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