Libyan desert’s yellow glass: how we discovered the origin of these … – Daily Excelsior
Cape Town, Nov 26: The Great Sand Sea Desert stretches over an area of 72,000km linking Egypt and Libya. If you find yourself in a particular part of the desert in south-east Libya and south-western parts of Egypt, youll spot pieces of yellow glass scattered across the sandy landscape. It was first described in a scientific paper in 1933 and is known as Libyan desert glass. Mineral collectors value it for its beauty, its relative rarity and its mystery. A pendant found in Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamuns tomb contains a piece of the glass. Natural glasses are found elsewhere in the world; examples include moldavites from the Ries crater in Europe and tektites from the Ivory Coast. But none are as rich in silica as Libyan desert glass, nor are they found in such large lumps and quantities. The origin of the glass has been the subject of debate among scientists for almost a century. Some suggested it might be from volcanoes on the moon. Others propose its the product of lightning strikes (fulgurites glass that forms from fusion of sand and soil where they are hit by lightning). Other theories suggest its the result of sedimentary or hydrothermal processes; caused by a massive explosion of a meteor in the air; or that it came from a nearby meteorite crater. Now, thanks to advanced microscopy technology, we believe we have the answer. Along with colleagues from universities and science centres in Germany, Egypt and Morocco, I have identified Libyan desert glass as originating from the impact of a meteorite on the Earths surface. Space collisions are a primary process in the solar system, as planets and their natural satellites accreted via the asteroids and planet embryos (also called planetesimals) colliding with each other. These impacts helped our planet to assemble, too.
Under the microscope In 1996 scientists determined that the glass was close to 29 million years old. A later study suggested the source material was composed of quartz grains, coated with mixed clay minerals and iron and titanium oxides. This latter finding raised more questions, since the proposed age is older than the matching source material in the relevant area of the Great Sand Sea desert. To put it simply: those source materials didnt exist in that location 29 million years ago. For our recent study, a co-author obtained two pieces of the glass from a local who had collected them in the Al Jaouf region in south-eastern Libya. We studied the samples with a state-of-the-art transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique, which allows us to see tiny particles of material 20,000 times smaller than the thickness of a paper sheet. Using this super-high magnification technique, we found small minerals in this glass: different types of zirconium oxide (ZrO2). Minerals are composed of chemical elements, atoms of which form regular three-dimensional packaging. Imagine putting eggs or soda bottles on the shelf of a supermarket: layers on top of layers to ensure the most efficient storage. Similarly, atoms assemble into a crystal lattice that is unique for each mineral. Minerals that have the same chemical composition but different atomic structure (different ways of atom packaging into the crystal lattice) are called polymorphs. One polymorph of ZrO2 that we observed in Libyan desert glass is called cubic zirconia the kind seen in some jewellery as a synthetic replacement for diamonds. This mineral can only form at a high temperature between 2,250C and 2,700C. Another polymorph of ZrO2 that we observed was a very rare one called ortho-II or OII. It forms at very high pressure about 130,000 atmospheres, a unit of pressure. Such pressure and temperature conditions provided us with the proof for the meteorite impact origin of the glass. Thats because such conditions can only be obtained in the Earths crust by a meteorite impact or the explosion of an atomic bomb.
More mysteries to solve If our finding is correct (and we believe it is), the parental crater where the meteorite hit the Earths surface should be somewhere nearby. The nearest known meteorite craters, named GP and Oasis, are 2km and 18km in diameter respectively, and quite far away from where the glass we tested was found. They are too far and too small to be considered the parental craters for such massive amounts of impact glass, all concentrated in one spot. So, while weve solved part of the mystery, more questions remain. Where is the parental crater? How big is it and where is it? Could it have been eroded, deformed or covered by sand? More investigations will be required, likely in the form of remote sensing studies coupled with geophysics. (The Conversation) (AGENCIES)
Here is the original post:
Libyan desert's yellow glass: how we discovered the origin of these ... - Daily Excelsior
- Report: Israel operating in Egypt, Libya, Sudan amid fears hostages could be smuggled out of Gaza - The Times of Israel - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Libya: Derna flooding disaster could have been avoided, experts conclude - Africanews English - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Israeli Special Forces Operating In Libya, Sudan To Thwart Hamas Smuggling - Report - I24NEWS - i24NEWS - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Embarking on a New Era: Libya's National Dialogue for Unity and Progress - The National Interest Online - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Libya says it suspended oil production at largest field after protesters forced its closure - ABC News - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Libyan customers prefer quality clothing despite not being the richest in the region: Turkish manufacturer - Libya Herald - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Unrest In Libya Remains Major Obstacle To Higher Oil Production - OilPrice.com - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Biden nominates Jennifer D. Gavito to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Libya - Libya Herald - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Protesters Threaten to Shut Libya-Italy Gas Pipe - Energy Intelligence - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Kuwait vs Libya Prediction and Betting Tips | January 12th 2024 - Sportskeeda - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- HoR allocates over $100 million for reconstructing some Western Region's cities - Libya Update - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- From Libya to Paraguay: Israel's Longstanding Goal of Expelling Palestinians From Gaza Inches Closer to Reality - Mintpress News - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- CBL latest data reveals US$ 9.9 billion deficit in foreign currency public spending in 2023 - Libya Herald - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Government discuss reforming legal framework for decentralization in Libya - Libya Update - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- The kiss of death for ''Kiss'' branded Turkish chocolates for non-conformity to Libyan standards - Libya Herald - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Dbeibeh government's crisis of legitimacy hampers Libya's oil revival - Libya Update - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Waha Oil Company Urged to Complete Production Increase Projects - Libya Update - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- The Commodities Feed: Libyan force majeure | Article | ING Think - ING Think - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Oil revenue in Libya reaches $20.69 billion in 2023 | | AW - The Arab Weekly - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- UN proposes establishing a Recovery and Sustainable Development Facility in Libya modelled after Iraq and Pakistan - Libya Update - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- CBL Governor follows up on strategic projects progress, completion rates - Libya Update - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- LBC demands representation at PM's Office to convey the voice of the private sector - Libya Herald - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- GNU working on facilitating return of Libyan woman stranded in Gaza - The Libya Observer - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- 8th Libya Agricultural Exhibition: return of pivot irrigation systems ... - Libya Herald - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- The African Development Bank, Libya strengthen cooperation, sign ... - ReliefWeb - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- Promoting Solid Waste Management in Libya for a Circular ... - Libya Herald - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- Over 25,000 e-stores with turnover in hundreds of millions operating ... - Libya Herald - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- Erdogan signs motion to extend Turkish troop presence in Libya ... - Libya Update - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- Talks between Italy's Eni and Libya's NOC on exploration programs ... - Libya Update - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- News Headlines, Sunday, November 26, 2023 - The Libya Observer - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- NOC chairman Bengdara hosts the influential Economic Salon ... - Libya Herald - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- Entrepreneurship Readiness in Libya: An Assessment of ... - Libya Herald - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- Libya requests China's support in reforming UNSC - The Libya Observer - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- Libya exports dates to Morocco and mutual opening of branches of ... - Libya Herald - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- Central Mediterranean: 8 migrants dying every day, says MSF - Libya Update - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- Libya welcomes truce in Palestinian territories - The Libya Observer - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- Tripoli University's President briefs Presidential Council on teaching ... - The Libya Observer - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- EU plans new migration deals with Egypt and Tunisia while ... - Libya Update - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- Economy Ministry workshop on developing fisheries sector and its ... - Libya Herald - November 26th, 2023 [November 26th, 2023]
- Libya Flooding Disaster Underlines the Countrys Corruption - The New York Times - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Libya floods: 'Tragedy is not over' warns UNICEF - UN News - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Libya floods reveal forgotten structures in ancient Greek city - Euronews - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- A Libyan photographer captures life after the floods - The New Humanitarian - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Conflicts, Disasters Driving More Migrants to Risk Mediterranean ... - United Nations - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- The UK calls for political solutions to end the exploitation and abuse ... - GOV.UK - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Song of the Cyrene: IMB calls Southern Baptists to pray for Libya ... - The Pathway - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- News Headlines, Thursday, September 28, 2023 - The Libya Observer - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- At least 79 dead after overcrowded migrant vessel sinks off Greece; hundreds may be missing - The Associated Press - June 16th, 2023 [June 16th, 2023]
- Hope dims for missing migrants amid questions about Greece's actions in deadly sinking - The Associated Press - June 16th, 2023 [June 16th, 2023]
- Forum to reform and develop Libya's health system and launch the ... - Libya Herald - June 16th, 2023 [June 16th, 2023]
- Insurance is an important part of the solution of restarting stalled ... - Libya Herald - June 16th, 2023 [June 16th, 2023]
- [Eyes on the Central Med #61] Chaotic situation in Libya and surge ... - ReliefWeb - June 16th, 2023 [June 16th, 2023]
- Agreement signed to link Italy with Libya through a submarine cable - Libya Herald - June 16th, 2023 [June 16th, 2023]
- Expertise France publishes top 20 reforms guide to improving the ... - Libya Herald - June 16th, 2023 [June 16th, 2023]
- Relatives fear worst with four men and a boy missing after ... - The Associated Press - June 16th, 2023 [June 16th, 2023]
- 'Libya needs more investment by Turkish firms' | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Bashagha removed by eastern-based parliament amid Libya's shifting sands | | AW - The Arab Weekly - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Libya Can Move Past Its Political Deadlock, But It Will Take Work to ... - United States Institute of Peace - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Morocco to host new round of Libyan election talks The North ... - The North Africa Post - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Investigation ordered after teenage basketball fan shot dead at Libyan top-flight match - Yahoo Canada Shine On - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Cancelled: Revelations from Norway's Secret Negotiations to Stop ... - Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Spanish gastronomy course inaugurated in Tripoli to last three days - Libya Herald - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Nigerians In Libya Cry For Help, Say Police Move From House To ... - SaharaReporters.com - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Mediterranean: Significant Increase of Arrivals, EU Complicity in ... - European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) | - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- The most prominent points made by Prime Minister Abd Alhamid ... - Libya Herald - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Mali Condemns UN Report in Fight Against Terrorism (Libya and ... - Modern Tokyo Times - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Wagner in Arab Region: Making the Most of Conflict and Misery - Fanack Chronicle - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- What are the repercussions of Bashaghas suspension in Libya? - Al Jazeera English - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Libyan parliament replaces its appointed PM, spokesperson says - Reuters - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Libyas east-based parliament votes to suspend PM - Africanews English - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Sarkozy on trial for alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 campaign? - The Africa Report - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Libyan government faction signs reconstruction deal with international consortium - Global Construction Review - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- UNDP's Local Peacebuilding and Resilience programme in ... - Libya Herald - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Libya: Why The High Council Of State (HCS) Wants To Develop ... - Eurasia Review - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Libya Official Deplores Jailing Of Tunisian Opposition Leader - Barron's - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Libyan poultry breeders and egg producers participate in US ... - Libya Herald - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Since reopening in June 2021, the Spanish embassy has been in ... - Libya Herald - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Libya Scrambles For Gas Supplies To Keep The Lights On |... - MEES - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Mellitah complex restarted after 16 day-maintenance rather than the ... - Libya Herald - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Expanding trade in non-conventional markets is crucial: FBCCI president - The Business Standard - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]