Rough Moldavite Value Guide

Rough Moldavite is a rare green tektite formed 15 million years ago during a meteorite impact in the Bohemian plateau. Its extraterrestrial origin and unique formation process make it a highly sought-after specimen for both mineral collectors and spiritual practitioners.

What affects the value of Rough Moldavite?

• Weight and size, with current market values for quality rough specimens ranging between $100 and $110.
• The complexity of the surface texture and the presence of 'hedgehog' spikes or deep primary sculpting.
• Clarity and transparency when held to the light, as well as the intensity of the natural green hue.
• The overall integrity of the piece, specifically the lack of modern chips or damage to the delicate glass edges.

How to Identify Rough Moldavite?

• Look for the characteristic 'lechatelierite' inclusions, which are tiny, needle-like wires of fused quartz visible under magnification.
• Examine the surface texture for 'sculpting' or aerodynamic pitting caused by its flight through the atmosphere.
• Verify the color is a deep, mossy forest green rather than a bright, uniform emerald green common in glass fakes.
• Check for microscopic bubbles that are typically elongated or distorted, unlike the perfectly round bubbles found in artificial glass.

History of Rough Moldavite

Moldavite is a unique gemstone with an extraterrestrial origin, believed to have formed approximately 15 million years ago during a meteorite impact in what is now the Bohemian plateau of the Czech Republic. The immense heat and pressure of the impact melted terrestrial rock, which then solidified into glass-like tektites as it was flung into the atmosphere and cooled. It has been prized for centuries, used in ancient tools and more recently as a spiritual stone.