Moldavite Tektite Green Glass Meteorite Specimen Southern Germany Display
Location: Southern Germany
Weight: 0.4 Ounces (Display)
Dimensions: 2.3 Inches Long, 1.5 Inches Wide, 0.6 Inches Thick (Display)
Comes with a Free Display Case.
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Moldavite is classified as a tektite, a type of natural glass formed from the intense heat and pressure generated during a meteorite impact. The specific event that led to the creation of moldavite occurred in the Ries crater in Bavaria, Germany. When the meteorite struck the Earth, it vaporized both itself and portions of the Earth's crust, resulting in molten material being ejected into the atmosphere. As this material cooled and solidified during its descent back to Earth, it formed moldavite.
The primary deposits of moldavite are located along the banks of the Vltava River in Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic). These deposits are known for their distinctive green coloration, which can range from pale olive to deep forest green. This unique color is attributed to trace amounts of iron and other elements incorporated during its formation.
Moldavite possesses several physical properties that make it easily recognizable among other gemstones. It typically exhibits a vitreous (glassy) luster and can have a variety of surface textures, from smooth to pitted or etched. On the Mohs hardness scale, moldavite ranges from 5.5 to 6, making it relatively soft compared to harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires.
Another notable feature is its low density, which helps distinguish it from other minerals of similar size. Moldavite often contains inclusions or bubbles within its structure, a result of the rapid cooling and solidification of molten material during its formation.
