Libyan desert glass

Libyan desert glass is considered a tectite that probably formed after the impact of a large meteorite or its explosion in close proximity to the earth. It occurs in the eastern Sahara, in the deserts of eastern Libya and western Egypt. Desert glass fragments can be found in areas of tens of square kilometers. However, the origin of desert glass is still uncertain. It is estimated that glass from the Libyan Desert originated about 29 million years ago. Pieces of various sizes can be found mainly on the surface of the pebble desert called serir among the tall sand dunes. The surface of the glass is abraded by wind-blown sand, which causes the glass to have a matte, slightly pitted surface. Probably the most famous piece of Libyan glass is the scarab, which adorns the necklace of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.