Moldavite is a distinctive natural glass, recognized for its unique green coloration and unusual origin. This rare material has captivated collectors and enthusiasts due to its formation through an extraterrestrial event.
How Moldavite Formed
Moldavite’s creation is directly linked to a powerful meteorite impact that occurred approximately 15 million years ago. This event is believed to have taken place in present-day southern Germany, forming the Nördlinger Ries crater, which is about 24 kilometers in diameter. The immense heat and pressure generated by the impact melted terrestrial rock and ejected it high into the atmosphere.
As these molten fragments traveled through the air, they rapidly cooled and solidified. They then fell back to Earth, primarily across parts of the Czech Republic, but also in Austria and Germany, forming what are known as strewn fields. Moldavite is classified as a tektite, a natural glass. Its specific chemical composition and low water content support its formation under these extreme conditions.
What Moldavite Looks Like
Genuine Moldavite exhibits a variety of green shades, ranging from pale translucent green to deep forest green, and sometimes even olive or brownish-green. Its transparency can vary from clear to translucent. A distinguishing characteristic is its unique surface texture, often described as sculpted, wrinkled, or etched, which forms from chemical weathering in the soil over millennia.
The shapes of Moldavite pieces, known as splash forms, reflect their molten origins and atmospheric flight. Common shapes include drops, disks, ovals, spheres, and rod-like forms, with fragments being the most common. Internally, Moldavite often contains microscopic gas bubbles and distinct flow patterns. Tiny, wavy inclusions of lechatelierite, a high-temperature form of silica glass, are also visible within genuine Moldavite, particularly under magnification.
Moldavite’s Metaphysical Beliefs
Within spiritual communities, Moldavite is associated with various metaphysical properties. It is often described as having a high vibrational frequency, which some believe can induce a sensation of warmth or tingling upon contact, sometimes referred to as the “Moldavite flush.” This intense energy is widely believed to facilitate spiritual transformation and personal growth.
Proponents suggest Moldavite can activate and cleanse various chakras, particularly the heart and third eye chakras, promoting emotional healing and connection to higher consciousness. It is also thought to help in releasing old patterns and bringing about new perspectives. These attributed properties are beliefs within spiritual practices and are not supported by scientific evidence.
Identifying Real Moldavite
Distinguishing genuine Moldavite from imitations is important, as fakes are common in the market. Authentic Moldavite possesses a naturally irregular shape and a distinct surface texture, with unique pitting and wrinkles that are challenging to replicate. Counterfeits often have a smooth, uniform surface due to molding or artificial etching, lacking the nuanced details of natural weathering.
Real Moldavite will typically show characteristic internal features such as tiny, often elongated, gas bubbles and lechatelierite inclusions, which are difficult for fakes to perfectly imitate. Fake Moldavite might appear too transparent or have an unnaturally bright, uniform green color that does not occur in natural specimens. Large pieces of Moldavite are exceptionally rare, so very large or perfectly shaped specimens at low prices should be viewed with skepticism. Examining the stone’s texture, color variations, and internal structures, and purchasing from reputable dealers, can help verify authenticity.