Moldavite
What is Moldavite?
Moldavite is a form of tektite, and is believed to have formed about 15 million years ago during a meteorite impact. It’s primarily found in the southern Germany/Czech Republic area. Moldavite is often used as a gemstone and is popular for its unique green color and extraterrestrial origin.
Moldavite is a rare and unique gemstone that comes in shades of green. Its unique appearance and extraterrestrial origin make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items, especially pendants and beads.
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Tektite (Natural glass formed from meteorite impact) |
| Color | Moldavite is typically a deep green, though shades can vary. |
| Streak | White |
| Luster | Vitreous. |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque. |
| Occurrence | Czech Republic (specifically the southern Germany/Czech area). |
| Formation | Moldavite was formed about 15 million years ago during a meteorite impact. |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | None |
| Mohs Hardness | 5.5 to 6. |
| Specific Gravity | 2.32-2.38. |
| Diagnostic Properties | Green, glassy appearance. |
| Chemical Composition | Mostly SiO2 (with various impurities) |
| Pleochroism | None. |
| Crystal System | Amorphous (tektite) |
| Optical Properties | Isotropic (due to its amorphous nature) |
| Refractive Index | 1.480 - 1.510 |
| Birefringence | None (isotropic due to amorphous nature) |
| 2V angle | Not applicable (amorphous) |
| Dispersion | Not notably high. |