Geologically, fulgurites are considered mineraloids (not minerals) because they’re made of whatever minerals were in the sand at the time of the strike. Fulgurites are found all over the world on beaches and in deserts. They can even be found in mountaintop stones, but these are much more rare. The name fulgurite comes from the Latin word for lightning, fulgar. [3] X Research source It’s sometimes also referred to as a “lightning stone. ”
The conditions for fulgurite formation are rare. The sand needs to be mostly silica or quartz with good drainage (the lightning breaks when it hits water). [5] X Research source
Even with a lightning rod, strikes are rare and the chances of producing petrified lightning are slim. Lab-made artificial lightning or electrical currents can create fulgurites up to 6 in (15 cm) long. Natural fulgurites can be 16 ft (4. 9 m) or longer. [7] X Research source Using a lightning rod or electrical currents is dangerous and can result in injury or death without proper safety training and experience.
The tube walls can be as little as 0. 03 inches (0. 76 mm) thin—this makes them incredibly fragile. The tube’s interior is glassy, smooth, and might contain tiny bubbles. The outsides are rough with sand that stuck to the melted part during formation. Lightning always takes the path of least resistance through sand, meaning a fulgurite can potentially have small branches or just be one large tube. [10] X Research source
Sometimes, real fulgurites are photographed after the surrounding sand has been dug away, making it look like the structure formed above ground.
There’s no need to rush to the beach as soon as the storm passes. Many people don’t know where or how to find fulgurites and aren’t looking for them.
Your find might be centuries old. The silica glass is chemically stable and resistant to erosion, so it can stay hidden in perfect condition for a long time. [14] X Research source Some scientists say fulgurites are as rare as gold. It’s not just because they’re uncommon, but also because they’re so difficult to find.
Small fulgurites are pretty easy to dig up with your hands and should only take a few minutes to excavate.
Few stores carry fulgurite jewelry. High quality fulgurite set in a sterling silver pendant can cost up to $100, and gold pendants can be around $300. You can usually find small pieces for sale online—just make sure to read reviews and feedback from other buyers before you purchase.
For example, fulgurites in the Sahara Desert confirmed scientists’ theory that the desert used to be a lush, green place with frequent storms.
Fulgurites are often used to help balance or unblock the upper chakras, especially the Throat and Third Eye chakras. Fulgurite’s high vibrational energy also assists with manifesting. Crystal healers believe fulgurites increase cellular rejuvenation through the body’s electromagnetic field, but there is no scientific evidence for this.
