Lechatelierite
Lechatelierite is a glassy variety of silica that forms when quartz is fused into glass by extreme heat, such as in fulgurites created by lightning strikes. It typically appears as transparent to translucent, colorless to pale white pieces with a smooth, glass-like surface and a vitreous luster. The habit is usually amorphous or fragmental, lacking a crystalline structure, which contributes to its characteristic conchoidal fracture when broken. Collectors prize its clean, pristine appearance and the sense of swift, violent transformation it represents, often preserved in sand- or rock-derived contexts.
- Formula
- SiO2
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
- Classification notes
- Mineraloid; amorphous silica (SiO2) glass
About Lechatelierite
Egypt is cited as a notable locality with specimens that underscore Lechatelierite’s connection to high-energy natural events. While body coloration is rare, when present it tends toward clear to pale tones that emphasize its glassy nature. This mineral offers a concise glimpse into geological processes beyond ordinary crystal formation, and its rarity among carefully sourced pieces adds to its appeal for those who seek evidence of dramatic natural phenomena in mineral form.