MOLDAVITE

Photo courtesy of Inner Vision Crystals

Species:  Moldavite
​​Mohs Hardness:  5.5 to 7 out of 10
Color:  Medium to dark yellowish to grayish green, usually low in saturation
RI:  1.490 (+0.020 / -0.010)
Birefringence:  None
SR/DR/AGG:  SR, commonly with ADR
Pleochroism:  None
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Generally inert
SG:  2.36 (+/- 0.04)
Routine Treatments:  None

Moldavite Facts

Elongated gas bubbles in moldavite

Moldavite is a type of natural glass created by a meteorite impact.

When a meteorite crashes into the Earth's surface, it causes the surrounding rocks to melt, creating moldavite.

Around 15 million years ago, a meteorite crashed into South Germany, creating what is now known as the Ries Crater.

Moldavite is only found in the Czech Republic and Southern Bohemia regions.  In some cases, over 300 miles from the site of impact!

Moldavite is an olive green, forest green, or bluish green color.

It contains round or elongated gas bubble inclusions, and may have visible flow lines caused by lechatelierite​ inclusions.

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)

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