$74.20 $106.00
The photographs shown here detail a beautiful piece of Libyan Desert Glass (LDG) from Egypt. Libyan Desert Glass is also referred to as Great Sand Sea Glass. It has a rich and ancient origin. Formed somewhere between 26-28 million years ago by a meteorite impact, LDG has a long history of being used by humans. Paleolithic peoples knapped them into tools (scrapers, spear heads, knife blades, etc...). The ancient Egyptians also used LDG in ceremonies and jewelry- a carved scarab beetle was even part of a breast plate that was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun.
The golden color, storied history, and unique energy make LDG one of a kind among other natural glass in the world. LDG has the highest amount of a quartz mineraloid called lechatelierite, which is formed when quartz undergoes a super heated transformation from nuclear blast, lightning strike, or (as in this case) meteorite impact. It also has the highest silica content of any natural glass, with many specimens containing perfect spherical inclusions of Cristobalite (a silicate formed under extreme temperatures). Many scientists classify LDG as an impactite rather than tektite. They believe that the celestial object that created this glass did not make impact, but instead burst above the ground creating a massive amount of heat- instantaneously melting the sands below. This event differs from the formation of tektites (where the impact throws material high into the atmosphere, and then falls).
The pieces listed in this series of LDG are all top quality color and clarity. Many of these specimens are smoothed from the millions of years of shifting desert sands. They have a wonderful feel when held in the hand, and make excellent palm stones. They are prefect for any collector, reki or meditation practices, faceting, or carving. The last photos feature a 1 cm cube for size reference. I tried to photograph any interesting features and any small chips when present; however if you have any questions about an item please don't hesitate to ask.
Weight- 10.6 Grams or 53 Carat
1 business day
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Standard shipping is the most economical method- First Class Mail through the U.S. Postal Service. This does not come with guaranteed tracking to the destination. The package usually scans and updates within the U.S. however, international tracking is not available. It is the buyers responsibility to understand all shipping/customs policies in their country.
We offer many shipping upgrades which include tracking and insurance upon request. Please contact us to customize shipping options (such as signature confirmation and added insurance) or select 'Tracking and Insurance' as an upgrade to Priority mail.
Please note, that some destinations do not offer Priority Mail tracking.
**We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or delayed mail
I ship through USPS First Class Mail in order to offer low cost shipping. Unfortunately, this service is highly variable on shipping times, and is inconsistent in tracking international. Typically packages can arrive anywhere from 10-30 business days or longer. Although First Class is my default shipping method I highly recommend upgraded shipping for express shipping times, guaranteed tracking, and insurance. Please contact us with any questions you may have or to request the use of Fed Ex or UPS services.
We can customize according to just about any request. Feel free to contact us in regards to combining shipping or to request custom parcels, specialty orders, or whole sale availability.
Safe and responsible packaging is one of our main priorities. We package every order carefully inside a high quality reinforced shipping box. Each item is wrapped individually in fresh paper towels and bubble warp. We appreciate you recycling and reusing our package material in order to keep our carbon foot print low.