- The mystery object is a fulgurite, which is formed when lightning strikes sand and instantly melts the silica grains, fusing them into a thin glass tube in about one second. - Fulgurites form naturally when lightning reaches temperatures over 3,270 degrees Fahrenheit and travels through sand, solidifying along its path and creating specimens of various colors depending on the sand composition. - The specimen described was found in southern Morocco after wind shifted desert sand dunes and revealed fulgurites underneath, which collectors then sifted out of the sand.