gemstone

Moldavite

Tektite (Silica Glass - SiO2 + Al2O3, FeO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O)

Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 7. Olive-green to brownish-green or translucent forest-green color. Vitreous glass-like luster. Amorphous structure with characteristically pitted, sculptured, or wrinkled surface texture.

Identified July 28, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed approximately 15 million years ago during a meteorite impact in the Nördlinger Ries crater in southern Germany. The intense heat and pressure melted surrounding terrestrial rock and ejected glassy fragments hundreds of kilometers into what is now the Czech Republic.

Uses & applications

Popularly used in jewelry, faceted or raw gemstones, and highly valued by metaphysical enthusiasts and rock collectors.

Geological facts

Moldavite is one of the only gem-quality tektites known in the world. Authentic pieces often display unique bubble inclusions and worm-like flow structures under magnification known as lechatelierite (melted quartz glass).

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive bottle-green to olive-brown color, glasslike clarity, and intricately pitted, wrinkled surface texturing. Most commonly found in the Bohemian and Moravian regions of the Czech Republic.

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