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Libyan Desert Glass expedition |
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the Great Sand Sea, prospecting for impactites. |
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North of the Great Sand Sea |
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Libyan Desert Glass is a natural glass composed of nearly pure silica (98 wt %). The formation of this glass, because of its unusual composition has for long been considered as mysterious. Chemical analyses show that the glass is locally enriched in meteoritic elements, with typical chondritic proportions. The only explanation for these observations is that Libyan Desert Glass results from a meteorite impact on a silica-rich target. (Abstract, "Silica 96", Robert Rocchia, CEA-CNRS, Fr.) |
the Libyan Desert Glass place, high parallel dunes. the 4x4 surfs on sand. It's quite impossible to go back through these oriented sand dunes in these conditions. |
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This cut shows two distinct areas, a bubble texture (right and bottom) and a transparent part with brownish streaks in a flow structure. |
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More information about the formation of this glass can be found on: |
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Ahead, no tracks... behind you, your tracks... that's adventure! |
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Be careful, in the Sahara desert you can cross a mirage! |
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It is time to go! |
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