What is Moldavite?
Moldavite (also called Bouteille Stone or vltavin) is a natural glass that is thought to have formed in the heat of an asteroid impact. This event occurred about 15 million years ago, and a splatter of hot glass formed a strewn field across central Europe.
Moldavite is usually yellowish green, green, or greenish brown in color. It has been cut into faceted and cabochon gemstones since the mid-1800s. These are used in rings, earrings, necklaces, pins and other types of jewelry.
Nice specimens of rough moldavite are popular with meteorite and mineral collectors. The extraterrestrial origin of moldavite gives it a special appeal to many people interested in new age, astrological, and spiritual practices.
The Story of Moldavite Formation
Moldavite is thought to have formed about 15 million years ago in the impact event that produced the Ries and Steinheim craters in southeastern Germany. An incoming asteroid is thought to have broken into two pieces that produced this pair of craters. The impacting bodies approached from the southwest. They hit with a high enough velocity to melt and splatter the target rock across a strewn field that includes portions of what is now the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany.
Most of the splatter solidified in the air and fell to Earth in the Czech Republic. Meteorite experts have named these materials "impactites." Moldavite is also considered to be a mineraloid because it is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid that does not have a crystalline structure. It solidified so quickly that atoms did not have enough time to organize themselves into minerals.
Today moldavite is found in sediments of Middle to Upper Miocene age. It occurs as droplet-shaped particles of green to brown glass up to a few centimeters in diameter. Millions of pieces have been collected, mostly in the Czech Republic. Specimens are often severely etched into unusual shapes by acidic subsurface waters.
Over the millions of years that have passed since the impact event which formed moldavite, much of the material has been eroded away, and much has been buried. As a result, moldavite is only found today in small areas of the original strewn field. These areas are shown on the accompanying map.
Moldavite as a Gemstone
Most gem-quality moldavite is faceted or cut en cabochon and sold as a collector's gem. Moldavite jewelry should be worn cautiously because it is brittle and has about the same hardness as most man-made glasses (5 to 5.5). For that reason it is best used in earrings, pins and pendants that will not be subjected to impacts or abrasion. Moldavite has a durability that is too low to be a good gem for rings. When it is used in a ring, a metal bezel or other feature should protect the gem from impact and abrasion.
Nice pieces of rough moldavite are also used in jewelry. Attractive droplet-shaped pieces are commonly wire-wrapped and made into pendants or earrings. Rough moldavite specimens with representative features are also purchased by meteorite and mineral collectors. The best specimens are often purchased by collectors for a much higher price than what they would have sold for if they were used in jewelry.
Real moldavite. Fake moldavite.
Fake Moldavite
Faceted moldavite and cabochons have been placed in jewelry since the late 1800s. Once moldavite’s extraterrestrial origin was known, the demand for moldavite gems grew much faster than the natural material could be found.
To meet the demand, enterprising people began faceting "moldavite" from green bottle glass. Then glassmakers in China began manufacturing glass in just the right green color to be deceptively sold as "moldavite." Fake moldavite began streaming into the market. Fake moldavite even made its way into museum collections!
Today, much of the rough and gemstone moldavite being sold are undisclosed fakes. If you are purchasing moldavite online, there is a very good chance that you will receive imitation material. That's what we received when we purchased the green faceted "moldavite" shown in the image above. (We) paid $29.49 for the 13 millimeter x 11 millimeter, 6.19-carat stone. If it was a genuine moldavite, it should have cost a lot more. It is an enormous stone for moldavite - most faceted stones cut from genuine moldavite are much smaller.
The difference between "imitation" and "fake" is in the disclosure. "Imitations" are sold as such. "Fakes" are sold without disclosure. The seller might not realize that the material is "fake," or the seller might know and is selling dishonestly to make money. Be careful when buying moldavite. If you are offered a faceted moldavite over two carats or any moldavite without eye-visible bubbles, there is a good chance that it is fake.
Identifying Genuine Moldavite
Unlike most gem materials that grow slowly over time in a quiet underground environment, moldavite formed in a burst of heat and energy produced by one of the most violent possible events - the impact of a large hypervelocity object with a planet. The rock in the impact area was instantly vaporized by the heat of the impact, then immediately condensed into a molten liquid, and then almost immediately solidified into an amorphous glass. The condensation and solidification were so fast that mineral crystals did not form, and gases were trapped in the glass.
Most specimens of genuine moldavite contain trapped gas bubbles and flow structures that are visible under a magnification of 10x and often with the unaided eye. The gas bubbles are sometimes round, but more often they are elongate, stretched by the stress under which the glass cooled. The glass also contains flow structures of similar origin.
Most genuine moldavite has an unusually low refractive index. It typically ranges between 1.47 and 1.51, much lower than most minerals and many man-made glasses.
The most diagnostic feature seen under magnification in some moldavite specimens is high relief, wire-shaped inclusions of lechatelierite, a high-temperature form of SiO2. Unlike quartz, lechatelierite is not a mineral; it is a mineraloid formed by instantaneous events, such as asteroid impacts, atomic blasts, and lightning strikes.
An excellent article for information about how to identify genuine moldavite is "Moldavites: Natural or Fake?" authored by Jaroslav Hyrsl and published in the Spring 2015 issue of Gems and Gemology.
Misnomers and Misspellings
Moldavite is referred to by a number of incorrect names. These include: glass meteorite, bohemian chrysolite, false chrysolite, glass chrysolite. These names are misnomers because moldavite is not a meteorite or a chrysolite (a name used for a yellowish-green variety of the mineral olivine, which when of good clarity and color is known by the gemological name of peridot).
Moldavite is without question one of the most frequently misspelled gem materials. Common misspellings include: moldivite, moldovite, moldevite, moldervite, moltavite, modavite, and muldavite. Fortunately, for the people who misspell, Google has learned that most people who use these misspellings as search queries are actually looking for information about "moldavite" and returns useful results.
Cultural Significance and Folklore
Throughout history, moldavite has been associated with a myriad of cultural and spiritual beliefs. One of the most popular beliefs is that moldavite is an extraterrestrial stone that has come from the stars and is imbued with magical properties. It is also believed to enhance spiritual growth, psychic abilities, and personal transformation.
In addition to its mystical properties, moldavite has also played an important role in many cultures throughout history. In ancient Egypt, moldavite was believed to be a symbol of the god Osiris and was often used in jewelry and other decorative objects. In medieval Europe, moldavite was believed to have healing properties and was used in various remedies and potions.
Today, moldavite is still highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts all over the world. Its unique properties and fascinating history make it one of the most sought-after minerals on the planet. Whether you are a believer in its mystical properties or simply appreciate its beauty and rarity, moldavite is a truly remarkable mineral that continues to captivate people's imaginations to this day.
The Unique Properties of Moldavite
Moldavite is a fascinating mineral that has captured the attention of many people due to its unique physical and metaphysical properties. It is a type of tektite that is formed when a meteorite strikes the earth's surface, melting both the meteorite and the surrounding rocks and soil. The molten material is then ejected into the air and cools rapidly, forming moldavite.
Physical Characteristics
Moldavite is an olive green or brownish-green mineral that can be either transparent or translucent. It is a relatively soft mineral, with a hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Moldavite is known for its interesting shapes and textures, such as bubbles and swirls that give it an otherworldly appearance. Some pieces of moldavite are even shaped like teardrops or have a star-shaped pattern on their surface.
One of the most fascinating things about moldavite is that it is only found in a specific area of the world. It is primarily found in the Czech Republic, near the Moldau River (hence the name "moldavite"). This makes moldavite a rare and highly sought-after mineral.
In addition to its unique appearance, moldavite is also known for its high vibrational frequency and energy. Many people report feeling a strong sense of euphoria and spiritual connection when they hold or wear moldavite. Some people even use moldavite as a tool for healing and balancing their energy.
Metaphysical Attributes
Metaphysically, moldavite is believed to be a powerful stone for personal transformation and spiritual growth. It is said to enhance intuition, psychic abilities, and spiritual awareness, making it an ideal tool for meditation and other spiritual practices.
Moldavite is also believed to be a potent energy amplifier, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enhance the effectiveness of other crystals or spiritual tools. Many people wear or carry moldavite with them throughout the day as a way to stay grounded and connected to their higher self.
Some people even believe that moldavite has extraterrestrial origins, due to its unique formation process. They believe that moldavite carries the energy and wisdom of other worlds and can help us connect with beings from other dimensions.
Whether you are drawn to moldavite for its physical beauty or its metaphysical properties, it is a truly unique and fascinating mineral that is sure to capture your imagination.
Moldavite in Crystal Healing
Introduction
Moldavite is a beautiful green gemstone that is believed to have powerful healing properties. This stone is highly sought after by crystal healers and collectors alike due to its unique properties and rarity. In this article, we will explore the benefits and uses of moldavite in crystal healing, as well as how to choose and cleanse this beautiful stone.
Benefits and Uses
In addition to its metaphysical properties, moldavite is believed to have a variety of physical healing benefits as well. It is said to be helpful in treating issues related to the respiratory system, circulatory system, and immune system. This stone is also thought to be a powerful aid in releasing negative energy and emotions, making it a great tool for those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues. Moldavite is also believed to be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and development. Some people even use moldavite as a way to access past lives or gain insight into their soul's purpose. This stone is said to help people connect with their higher selves and tap into their inner wisdom.
My note: There have been the rare comments from non-followers of this blog taking a rude and aggressive stance that stones have nothing to do with physical healing, as if I (or the sites I copy/paste from) are suggesting that people not seek medical treatment for ailments and instead use stones as a cure-all. THIS IS NOT WHAT I OR THE OTHER SITES ARE RECOMMENDING AT ALL. If you'd read my pinned post, you would see that I am not suggesting that at all. Stones can offer a positive mental/emotional/psychological focus that in turn aid whatever treatment a person is currently receiving. This is all. And even that is not guaranteed. Alright? Alright. Please don't leave anymore hateful comments; I will block the person leaving them and delete the comments.
How to Choose and Cleanse Moldavite
When choosing moldavite, it is important to consider the authenticity of the stone. Due to its high value and rarity, moldavite is sometimes sold as a fake or a lower-quality substitute. Look for reputable sellers and do your research before making a purchase. To cleanse moldavite, it is recommended to use a method that does not involve water, as moldavite can be easily damaged by moisture. Instead, try smudging your moldavite with sage or palo santo, or placing it in the sunlight or moonlight for a few hours to clear away any negative energy.
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