Saturday, 26 February 2011

Libyan Desert Glass


Libyan Desert Glass (LDG) is a naturally occurring glass made of silica (silicon dioxide), and generally found in the Libyan Desert - the Western Desert of west Egypt, widely scattered along the Libyan-Egyptian border (the Great Erg). Scientists say the the glass is the largest known deposit of a natural silica glass on the planet Earth (about 98% SiO2). Early confirmed reports of the glass were made by members of the survey expedition led by P. Clayton, who were sent to explore the Sand Sea and Gilf Kebir in 1932 and to investigate the earlier reports of 1846 as well as to find the legendary oasis of Zerzura. In December 1932 Clayton (and his team) was driving across the sand dunes towards the red rocks of the Saad plateau when suddenly he felt the tyres of his car crunch. Upon stopping the car and stepping out he came face to face with . . . http://www.temehu.com/libyan-desert-glass.htm