Exogenic Fulgurites

December 29, 2020

Exogenic fulgurite

Photographer: Mila Zinkova  
Summary Author: Mila Zinkova  

The class of exogenic fulgurites refers to liquefied materials resulting from a powerful lightning strike (>100 GW) that are thrown into the atmosphere above the lightning’s point of impact (i.e. they are ejected) and solidify in the air. Exogenic fulgurites feature an amorphous and often bubbly appearance due to the rapid manner in which the airborne, liquefied materials cool down. They are generally dark green in color (as a result of a moderate iron oxide content), differing from traditional fulgurites, which are typically carrot, brown or tan. In addition, they have a smoother, glassier texture than conventional fulgurites, which have a gritty, sandy feel to them. Photo taken November 12, 2020.

Photo Details: Camera: Apple iPhone 6; Software: Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows; Exposure Time: 0.0009s (1/1163); Aperture: ƒ/2.2; ISO equivalent: 32; Focal Length (35mm): 35