Moldavite is a vitreous substance.
Moldavite is a transparent to translucent vitreous substance belonging to the tektite gem group. It was first discovered in 1787 and named after the town Moldauthein in Bohemia (the place where it was found) by A. Dufrenoy. The stone has an olive-green to dull greenish hue and is believed to have formed as a result of melting of silica rock after a meteorite impact. Because of its hardness, interesting natural shapes and a very peculiar bottle-green color, moldavite is often cut and polished for making ornamental jewelry.
History
Moldavite is considered to be 20 million years old and was formed as a result of a meteorite shower. The rock that came in contact with the shower melted because of very high temperature, thus forming moldavite. According to the Czechoslovakian tradition, moldavite was given as an auspicious gift in marriages as it was thought to help in marital relationships. It is also thought to help in spiritual development.
Moldavite Location
The purest form of moldavite (transparent) is primarily found in Moldau River in the Czech Republic. Bohemian plateau (towns of Chlum, Besednice and Slavce) is famous for Moldavite occurrence and can easily be mined by filtering loose sand. However, it is also found in other countries, such as Thailand.
Physical Properties
Moldavite is primarily composed of silica with small amounts of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and titanium. The chemical composition is quite similar to that of impure sandstone and granite. It is naturally present in irregular shapes and has an amorphous crystal structure. The hardness of the stone is scaled at 2.8 (fairly soft) on the Mohs scale.
Chemical Properties
Moldavite is lighter than emerald with a specific gravity of 2.40. Also, its RI (refraction index) is calculated in the range of 1.48 to 1.51. RI helps in determining the purity and grade of the gemstone.
Value
Recent interest of collectors and others in the metaphysical properties of moldavite has developed, thus significantly increasing its popularity and demand. Properly cut and polished specimens of moldavite display a super-shiny luster and therefore deserve a much higher sale price in comparison with its poorly cut and unpolished counterparts.
Jewelry Making
Moldavite is often cut and polished and used for making ornamental jewelry in primarily two designs--oval brilliant cut or a cushion cut. Both the cuts are made in such a manner that they impart high luster and ensure maximum light reflection. These stones are also used in making fashionable jewelry such as rings, earrings and pendants. The normal cost range of moldavite is $2 to $22 per gram.
Practical Uses
Moldavite is also used in products such as oils, bath salts, incense as well as perfumes. At times, the individual characteristic features of Moldavite appeal many buyers to own an uncut stone.
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