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Libyan Desert Glass

Photo: H. Raab (User:Vesta) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Libyan Desert Glass

Also known as: Great Sand Sea glass

Pale yellow natural glass from the Sahara, formed about 29 million years ago – carved into Tutankhamun's scarab.

  • ColourPale yellow, Honey, Clear
  • Mineral groupNatural silica glass (impact glass)
  • ChemistrySiO₂ (about 98%)
  • Hardness (Mohs)6
  • Crystal systemAmorphous
  • Where it's foundEgypt–Libya border (Great Sand Sea)
  • ChakraSolar Plexus

What is Libyan Desert Glass?

Libyan desert glass is an extremely pure natural silica glass found scattered across the Great Sand Sea on the border of Egypt and Libya. It formed around 29 million years ago; scientists believe it was created by the intense heat of a meteorite impact or airburst that melted the desert sand.

A carved scarab in the centre of one of Tutankhamun's pectoral necklaces is made of Libyan desert glass.

Libyan Desert Glass astrology & birthstone

  • Zodiac signsNo established tradition
  • Ruling planet—
  • ElementFire
  • Birthstone month—

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Libyan Desert Glass meaning & traditional properties

Libyan desert glass is associated in modern crystal traditions with transformation, confidence and clarity. As a modern favourite, it has no long-established astrology.

  • Transformation
  • Confidence
  • Clarity

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Libyan Desert Glass

  • Keep a piece as a special collector's specimen.

How to care for Libyan Desert Glass

Glass – can chip. Clean with a soft damp cloth.

Looking for Libyan Desert Glass?

Libyan Desert Glass isn't in our shop right now – new stock arrives regularly. In the meantime, explore similar crystals we have available or browse our full crystal collection.

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Rituals & pairings

Pair Libyan Desert Glass with a intuition & meditation ritual

A quiet meditation ritual for focus, intuition and clarity.

Traditionally paired with: Frankincense, myrrh, lotus or copal incense · A purple or white candle · Sage to clear the space

  • Clear the room with a little sage smoke and sit comfortably.
  • Light a purple or white candle and frankincense, lotus or copal incense.
  • Hold your crystal or rest it in front of you and breathe slowly for 5–10 minutes.
  • Note down any ideas or feelings that come up.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Libyan Desert Glass jewellery & pendulums

Wear the energy of your favourite crystals every day – browse our handmade crystal jewellery and dowsing pendulums.

Libyan Desert Glass FAQs

How did Libyan desert glass form?

Most likely from the heat of a meteorite impact or airburst about 29 million years ago.

Was it used by Tutankhamun?

Yes – a scarab in one of his pectorals is carved from it.

Related crystals

  • Moldavite
    In our shop

    Moldavite

    Forest-green natural glass created by a meteorite impact about 15 million years ago, found in the Czech Rep...

  • Citrine
    In our shop

    Citrine

    Golden quartz and November birthstone – the crystal lore 'merchant's stone' of abundance and optimism.

  • Amber
    In our shop

    Amber

    Warm, golden fossilised tree resin – millions of years old and light enough to float in salt water.

  • Black Obsidian
    In our shop

    Black Obsidian

    Natural volcanic glass with razor-sharp edges – a classic protective, grounding stone.

Sources