Glass?

scratcher · Apr 30, 2014

Hi guys, my daughter found this piece while looking for Indian relics. It is clear like glass, has the same density as glass. We are not sure if this is glass that was melted in a fire or what. Has unusual loops on the edges as can be seen in the pictures. Any input appreciated, thanks.

tamrock · Apr 30, 2014

Wow! That thing is bazaar. I've no clue at all what that thing would be? I've never seen melted glass looking like that. Where on earth was it found?

nhbenz · May 1, 2014

That is very odd. Do you live anywhere near an old glass blowing factory? It looks like part of the recycle pile from such a place, which hadn't yet been fully melted down.

scratcher · Jan 4, 2016

This piece came up again during the holidays and wondered if there might be any new ideas. Thanks

mwb76 · Jan 4, 2016

Are you sure it's glass not some weird crystal if it's glass I agree with nhbenz looks like left over glass trimming

scratcher · Jan 5, 2016

This was found in a farm field in a very unpopulated area. Twenty-some thousand people in the whole county. Five miles from edge of nearest small town. No structures on old platbooks within 400 yards.

Tommy G · Jan 5, 2016

First let me say that I am no geologist, nor could I play one on TV. Having established my complete lack of credentials, I would offer that as a kid I collected and studied all kinds of rock formations, so the first thing that struck me was your reference to fire, which may be part of the answer. There are two types of natural glass; volcanic (the most common form being obsidian or "black glass"), and fulgurite which is the product of lightning striking the ground. The most common fulgurite examples you will see on the internet are the result of lightening strikes in sandy areas and they look nothing like this; however, there are many examples of fulgurite in different shapes and colors. Lightning strikes the ground at 3,000+ degrees F. Like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. It all depends on the mineral content at the point of impact. It is super heated, then immediately cooled by the rain which causes the "splattered" look. Again, this is only one possible answer. I would take this to the closest university with a good geology department and have them examine it to get the final answer. Thanks for sharing!