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Rare Mineral

Moldavite

Natural tektite glass

Brown Green
Optical properties

Optical characteristics

Ref. index
1.48 – 1.51
Luster
Vitreous
Pleochroism
None Variable depending on transparency, orientation, and variety.
Fluorescence
Variable to inert.
Origins

Source localities

Czech Republic Czech Republic: Bohemia Moldavite Fields
Premium ★ Top Source

Known for Bohemian pyrope garnet.

100% est. supply
Inclusions

Inclusions & features

Crystals Crystal Inclusions Under 10x loupe: solid, well-formed mineral crystals trapped inside the host gem. They may… Fractures Feathers and Fractures Under 10x loupe: irregular internal surfaces that catch light and appear bright, wing-like, or… Fractures Fingerprint Inclusions Under 10x loupe: curved or wavy lines of tiny dots forming patterns that look… Clouds Pinpoint Clouds Under 10x loupe: concentrations of extremely tiny bright dots that individually are too small… Multiphase Two-Phase Inclusions Under 10x loupe: a transparent irregular cavity containing both a liquid phase and a…
Identification

Instruments used

Dichroscope Reveals pleochroism, instantly eliminates singly-refractive stones 10x Loupe Your most-used instrument, start every examination here Polariscope Determines single vs. double refraction, quick and conclusive Refractometer Measures refractive index, the backbone of gem identification UV Lamp, Long Wave and Short Wave Fluorescence exposes treatments, synthetics, and origin
Specifications
Hardness
5.5 Mohs
Ref. index
1.48 – 1.51
Sp. gravity
2.32 – 2.38
Crystal system
Amorphous
Luster
Vitreous
Species
Moldavite (tektite)
Market price $ 5 – 800+ / ct

Fine natural Moldavite is popular but heavily faked.

Rarity Scarce

Natural moldavite is limited to one impact strewn field in the Czech Republic; faceted gem-quality material is increasingly scarce.

Confused with
  • Glass Look for bubbles, mold marks, and low hardness.
  • Synthetic counterpart Synthetic materials may share properties but show different inclusions or growth features.
Expert tip

Look for flow textures, bubbles, and reputable sourcing.

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