Moldavite or in the Czech language 'Vltavin', is an olive-green or dull black greenish vitreous substance assumed formed by a meteorite impact. It is a one kind of tektite. It was named for the town of Moldauthein in Bohemia in the Czech Republic, where it occurs. Most figure that about 15-20 million years ago a meterorite shower fell in the Moldau Valley of Czechoslovakia. The result of this shower was Moldavite, a rare crystal of a bottle-green, translucent hue. Although some people believe that it is a true meteorite substance (formed in outer space), it is more generally accepted that it originates from rock that was struck by a meteorite and melted thus forming the tektite or glass-like substance. According to this latter belief, moldavite then combines extraterrestrial and terrestrial properties.
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The total amount of Moldavite scattered around the world is estimated at 275 tons. There were only four moldavite mines in full operation in the Czech Republic, but those have now been closed according to the latest reports, and no more Moldavite is allowed out of the country. It was predicted in 2001 that in less than ten years Moldavite mining would come to an end. After this time, there will be virtually no appreciable amount of gem-grade Moldavite left in the ground. But that prediction was overcome by politics.
The total amount of Moldavite scattered around the world is estimated at 275 tons. There were only four moldavite mines in full operation in the Czech Republic, but those have now been closed according to the latest reports, and no more Moldavite is allowed out of the country. It was predicted in 2001 that in less than ten years Moldavite mining would come to an end. After this time, there will be virtually no appreciable amount of gem-grade Moldavite left in the ground. But that prediction was overcome by politics.
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There are typically two grades of moldavite: high quality, often referred to as museum grade, and regular grade. Museum and regular grade moldavite can be told apart by the way they look:
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There are typically two grades of moldavite: high quality, often referred to as museum grade, and regular grade. Museum and regular grade moldavite can be told apart by the way they look:
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Regular grade pieces are usually darker and more saturated in their green colour, and the surface is seen as closely spaced pitting or weathering. This type sometimes appears to have been broken apart from a larger chunk. .
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Museum grade has a distinct fern-like pattern and is much more translucent than the regular grade. There is usually a fairly big difference in the price between the two. The museum grade "flower bursts" are much more prized by the connoisseur..
High-quality moldavite stones are often used in hand-crafted jewelry and thus enter the market away from mainstream jewelry fashions. Most of the time, since not easy to facet, Moldavite is left in in 'raw' form and is wire-wrapped. But some better pieces can be faceted and make into beautiful pieces.
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Being hard like glass, rings are a common jewelry piece.
