- ********* FULGURITES *********
- Fulgurites are tubular structures with a glassy composition formed by intense heat from or associated
with lightning strikes. They are created when a grounding mechanism such as a tree or power pole is struck
by lightning, and energy is channeled into the ground, melting soil and rock as its energy is dissipated;
or when lightning strikes a sandy area whether it is a beach, desert or sand quarry. As the lightning
strikes the Earth and flows downward through the earth or sand, it is instantly super heated --melted and
reformed. After the cooling process, glass-like hollow tubes (fulgurites) can be located many times beneath
the surface of the earth, generally decreasing in diameter and sometimes branching as they descend, they
can extend for many feet. The outer surfaces of sand fulgurites are often rough with adhering, unfused Quartz
sand grains. The inner surfaces and openings of the tubes are usually smooth and glassy, in some specimens
resembling an applied glaze, sometimes with blister-like bubbling present. These are essentially
Solidified Lightening Bolts!!
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