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Identity HelpSlag or volcanic glass? Found on lakeshore, Utah

2nd Aug 2022 01:09 UTCDan Sko

08693250017057683314307.jpg
Hi all,
I found this item washed up on a lake shore near Ogden, Utah.  At a first glance it looks like slag, but I am not sure.  It is amber in color and has inclusions resembling those found in natural amber except that this clearly feels and sounds like glass.  I could not identify any air bubbles within.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Questions Answered
Can it scratch glass? : Unable to test
Can you scratch it with your fingernail? : No
Is it light/heavy for the size? : Normal

2nd Aug 2022 01:11 UTCDan Sko

03854560017057683337678.jpg
A photo of the underside 

2nd Aug 2022 01:12 UTCDan Sko

03727860017057683358264.jpg
Side view, showing what looks like layers of glass

2nd Aug 2022 01:13 UTCDan Sko

08339010017057683386618.jpg
This view shows transparency with inclusions

2nd Aug 2022 13:29 UTCRoger Ericksen 🌟

Hi Dan, Looks like amber glass (beer bottle) melted in a campfire. You can see the imprint of the coals. I am certain I left a few of those behind in my younger, irresponsible past.

2nd Aug 2022 14:36 UTCDan Sko

Thank you- this is very interesting.  I didn’t know that campfires could get that hot.  The color of the glass certainly does seems beer-bottle like. Thanks again.

3rd Aug 2022 04:29 UTCKeith Compton 🌟 Manager

Don't forget the effect of ordinary bush fires as opposed to camp fires.

Most glass melts at between 1,400 to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit and bush fires can certainly reach those temps.

Some metals are melted in bush fires. Magnesium alloy wheels, for example, can turn into amazing flowing masses, and aluminium melts at 1,220 F.  
 
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