Moldavite Tektite Value Guide

Moldavite is a rare, olive-green tektite formed approximately 15 million years ago during a meteorite impact in the present-day Czech Republic. It is highly collectible due to its extraterrestrial origin and the unique, aerodynamically sculpted textures created during its atmospheric flight.

What affects the value of Moldavite Tektite?

• Weight and size: Larger specimens over 20 grams are significantly rarer and command higher price-per-gram rates.
• Surface texture: Pieces with intricate, deep 'besednice' style spikes or delicate lace-like patterns are more valuable to collectors.
• Clarity and color: Translucent specimens with a rich, saturated green hue and minimal internal fractures fetch premium prices.

How to Identify Moldavite Tektite?

• Look for the characteristic 'lechatelierite' inclusions, which are tiny, worm-like squiggles of fused quartz visible under magnification.
• Examine the surface for a naturally etched, pitted, or deeply wrinkled texture known as 'sculpting' that is unique to authentic specimens.
• Verify the color is a translucent olive to bottle-green; avoid specimens that appear overly bright, neon, or contain round air bubbles typical of fake glass.

History of Moldavite Tektite

Moldavite is a natural glass formed about 15 million years ago when a meteorite struck the present-day Czech Germany border region. Chunks of melted terrestrial rock were ejected and cooled into olive-green to bottle-green glassy tektites. Discovered and used since the 18th century, moldavite gained popularity as a gemstone and collector’s specimen and is prized for its distinctive etched, pitted surface and translucent green color.