Crystal & mineral guide
Moldavite
Tektite (SiO₂-rich glass)
Green tektite from the Ries impact — heavily faked in jewelry markets.
Identify Moldavite with RockScanAbout Moldavite
Moldavite is a tektite: natural glass from meteoritic impact. Genuine pieces show sculpted surface (sculpture) and characteristic bubbles/lechatelierite. Chinese glass fakes flood markets — buy from reputable sources. Popular metaphysical stone; treat as collector glass mineralogically.
Moldavite belongs in a crystal identifier workflow because photo cues — color zoning, crystal habit, and surface luster — combine with measurable traits like Mohs 5–5.5 and specific gravity 2.32–2.38. Use RockScan’s camera to get a first-pass ID, then confirm with the checklist below.
Moldavite properties
| Mohs hardness | 5–5.5 |
|---|---|
| Crystal system | Amorphous |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Color | Bottle to forest green |
| Composition | Silica-rich impact glass (tektite) |
| Formation | Meteorite impact melt — Ries crater ejecta |
| Occurrence | Czech Republic, Austria, Germany (moldavite strewn field) |
| Specific gravity | 2.32–2.38 |
| Cleavage | None |
How to identify Moldavite
- Natural sculpted surface texture
- Gas bubbles and flow lines under loupe
- SG ~2.35; beware molded glass fakes
Collector notes
- Linked to the ~15 Ma Ries impact event
- Name from the Moldau (Vltava) river region
Value context: Museum-grade sculpted pieces far exceed tumbled/fake material.
Moldavite FAQ
How do you identify Moldavite?
Moldavite (Tektite (SiO₂-rich glass)) is typically recognized by bottle to forest green color, vitreous luster, Mohs hardness 5–5.5, and amorphous crystal system. RockScan can suggest Moldavite from a photo and surface these checks on the result card.
What is Moldavite made of?
Moldavite composition: Silica-rich impact glass (tektite). It forms via meteorite impact melt — ries crater ejecta and is found in Czech Republic, Austria, Germany (moldavite strewn field).
Is Moldavite valuable?
Museum-grade sculpted pieces far exceed tumbled/fake material.
