Fulgurites are formed when lightning strikes the ground, fusing and vitrifying mineral grains. The primary SiO 2 phase in common tube fulgurites is lechatelierite, an amorphous silica glass. Many fulgurites show some evidence of crystallization: in addition to glasses, many are partially protocrystalline or microcrystalline.

The fulgurite meaning, therefore, describes how the rock is made. It is also known as lightning stone or lightning rock in some areas. When lightning hits the earth, it will be five times hotter than the surface of the sun. Because of this heat, it manages to fuse silica sand and clay to create fulgurites.

This unique stones is formed when lightning strikes sand and melts silica at a temperature that can reach 30,000 degrees Celsius! As the fused sand cools, it forms a tube with rough outer walls and smooth inner walls, giving fulgurite its distinctive appearance.

Lightning carries extreme amounts of static energy that gets released in one very small spot where lightning hits. For nearly an instant, the surface becomes hotter than the surface of the sun and crystallizes immediately. The heat of the bolt vaporizes the center of Fulgurite, leaving it with a tubular form.

Once lightning strikes the earth, it creates a heat that is five times hotter than the temperature at the surface of the sun. This allows for the minerals to change form. The heat is able to fuse the clay and silica sand that’s at the site in order to make fulgurites. Fulgurites are considered to be among the more rare occurring rocks.