Lechatelierite is a naturally occurring silica glass formed when lightning strikes sand (fulgurites) or during meteorite impacts. It lacks a crystalline structure, appearing as clear or bubbly glass shards that are often found in desert environments or near historic impact sites.

Hardness

5.5-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineraluncommon

Lechatelierite

Also: silica glass, fulgurite glass

Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this lechatelierite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch lechatelierite with a known reference. Lechatelierite sits at Mohs 5.5-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lechatelierite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lechatelierite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: amorphous. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

Lechatelierite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside lechatelierite

Minerals reported to co-occur with lechatelierite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

Quartz
mineral · Mohs 7

All properties

Chemical formula: SiO₂
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6.5
Density: 2.1-2.3 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Gray Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Amorphous
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Scientific
Host rock: Impact Craters, Lightning-struck Sands
Typical price: $20-200 depending on specimen size and origin

Where rockhounds find lechatelierite

Classic worldwide localities

Sahara Desert
Libyan Desert
Arizona, USA
Hesse, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in impact craters, lightning-struck sands country — that is the host setting where lechatelierite typically forms. If you start seeing sand, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lechatelierite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, gray, brown.

Where is lechatelierite found?+

Notable localities include Sahara Desert; Libyan Desert; Arizona, USA; Hesse, Germany.

How much is lechatelierite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 depending on specimen size and origin. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like lechatelierite?+

Lechatelierite is most often confused with Obsidian, Quartz, Impactite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with lechatelierite?+

Lechatelierite commonly co-occurs with sand, quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lechatelierite form in?+

Lechatelierite typically forms in impact craters, lightning-struck sands. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lechatelierite used for?+

Lechatelierite is used in collector, scientific.

Find lechatelierite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.