fulguriet

Fulguriet is a term that appears in some discussions to denote natural glass formed when a lightning discharge interacts with silica-rich materials. In mainstream geology the established term is fulgurite; fulguriet is not widely recognized as a formal mineral or rock name, and its definition varies between sources.

Formation: Like fulgurite, fulguriet would be produced when an electrical arc from a lightning strike rapidly heats and fuses silica-bearing substrates such as sand, quartz-rich rock, or peat-ash mixtures. The molten material cools rapidly, yielding a glassy mass that may form tubular conduits, irregular nodules, or sheet-like crusts. Impurities and moisture can influence color and microstructure.

Occurrence and forms: Fulgurite-like glass masses are reported worldwide at sites subject to lightning strikes, especially sandy beaches, deserts, riverbanks, and exposed rock outcrops. The resulting forms range from small beads to extensive networks following fracture planes or substrate porosity; many are hollow or partially hollow.

Physical and chemical properties: Fulguriet, if used, would resemble amorphous silica glass: vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and hardness typical of glassy silica. Impurities such as iron oxides or carbonates can impart color. The material is typically non-crystalline and lacks a regular mineral structure.

Significance and use: Researchers study fulgurite-like glasses to infer past lightning activity, substrate composition, and rapid heating processes. Some samples appear in archaeological or geological field reports, but fulguriet is not a standard gemstone or industrial material and has limited commercial use.

Etymology and nomenclature: The name derives from fulgur, Latin for lightning; the suffix -et resembles diminutive or French-derived forms. The term's use is inconsistent, and many authors prefer fulgurite to avoid confusion.