Introduction to Moldavite
Moldavite is a precious gemstone-like material that has been highly sought after by collectors and those interested in the metaphysical properties of minerals. This unique stone has an intriguing origin story, fascinating characteristics and has gained popularity among the new age community.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into understanding Moldavite, how it was discovered, its characteristics, and ways to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit stones.
Origin of Moldavite
The southeastern region of Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic is the primary location where Moldavite is found. Its origin can be linked to the Nordlinger Ries crater, which was formed about 15 million years ago due to a meteor impact.
The impact produced a significant surge of energy that caused a mixture of debris, rock, and gas to form a natural glass known as a tektite. An occurrence of a similar nature created Libyan Desert glass, which is another type of tektite found in Egypt.
Characteristics of Moldavite
Moldavite is predominantly green due to the presence of iron and other minerals. It also comes in shades of brown or yellow, depending on the location and formation.
Its delicate and unique shape results from the stone’s aerodynamic structure, which formed upon cooling after being ejected from the crater. The surface of Moldavite is bubbly and grooved due to the intense heat and pressure during its creation.
It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5, making it harder than some crystals but relatively soft compared to many other gemstones.
Discovery of Moldavite
Dr. Josef Mayer, a professor at Charles University in Prague, was the first to document Moldavite in 1787. He discovered the gemstone-like material while working on the banks of the Vltava River (Moldau River) in the Czech Republic.
The river had eroded the surrounding hills, exposing Moldavite.
Fake Moldavite
As the value of Moldavite continues to increase, so does the prevalence of counterfeit stones.
Fake Moldavite is generally manufactured glass, dyed to mimic the green color of natural Moldavite.
Fake Moldavite is often too green, or the color is too uniform and unrealistic, lacking the natural variations of a genuine Moldavite.
Similarities between Real and
Fake Moldavite
Both genuine and fake Moldavite stones are made from glass, and thus they share structural properties such as surface bubbles.
Differences between Real and
Fake Moldavite
Genuine Moldavite stones have inclusions such as bubbles, swirl lines or tiny crystals (dendrites). These inclusions may present unique patterns that hold significance, thus making each Moldavite stone unique.
Additionally, genuine Moldavite may show evidence of intense heat and pressure, which is typically absent in fake stones. It is also important to note that some counterfeit Moldavite stones have strong molds, repeated shapes, and no variations.
In conclusion, Moldavite is a unique gemstone-like material with a fascinating origin story. Its popularity has grown exponentially over the years, with collectors and minerals enthusiasts seeking out the genuine article.
The value of genuine Moldavite makes it a prime target for counterfeiters, and care must be taken to ensure that the stone one is purchasing is genuine. Now that you have learned more about Moldavite, its characteristics, and its origins, you are better equipped to navigate the market and determine which stones are genuine.
How to Tell the Difference
Moldavite is a beautiful, rare, and valuable gemstone, making it a target for counterfeiters. To avoid getting scammed, it is worth taking the time to learn how to spot fake Moldavite from genuine stones.
Here are some general differences and specific characteristics to look out for when determining the authenticity of Moldavite. General Differences:
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference is by the appearance of the stone.
Genuine Moldavite usually has a worn appearance, while fake Moldavite tends to have a shiny appearance. This is because the natural erosion process of the stone creates a slightly pitted surface that is worn and dull-looking.
If the surface is too shiny, it could be a red flag. Moldavite Appearance:
Another way to distinguish between real and fake Moldavite is by its appearance.
Genuine Moldavite tends to be dusty or dirty, and it may even appear wet or shiny due to the rough surface. On the other hand, fake Moldavite generally has a uniform appearance with a too-bright green color.
Moldavite Molds:
Another indicator of genuine Moldavite is the presence of unique molds. Genuine Moldavite stones present an array of distinctive molds, scales, ridges, waves, and patterning.
The molds on fake Moldavite are often too uniform and contain repeated patterns.
Inclusions and Bubbles:
Inclusions and bubbles are another essential characteristic of Moldavite that can help to identify whether a stone is genuine or fake.
These inclusions can appear as lechatelierite strands, wires, tiny crystal formations (dendrites), and bubbles. Compared to fake Moldavite, genuine Moldavite often has visible inclusions and bubbles visible to the naked eye, while in fake Moldavite, they tend to be absent or too uniform.
A magnifying glass can also be used to examine the inclusions and bubbles closely.
FAQs
Why is Moldavite Faked? Moldavite is faked primarily because of its scarcity and value.
The genuine stone is increasingly difficult to obtain from the official source, causing its price to skyrocket. As a result, counterfeiters see an opportunity to create fake Moldavite and sell it for a lower price than the real thing.
They take advantage of collectors, unaware buyers, and practitioners in the metaphysical community who purchase the stone for its energetic properties. What is Moldavite Good for?
Genuine Moldavite has earned many fans in the crystal and jewelry community. Moldavite is widely used as a gemstone in jewelry and is favored by some people for its energetic properties.
It is thought to have transformative and cleansing qualities and to assist with spiritual growth and development. Some people claim that Moldavite can be a powerful tool for meditation due to its high vibrational frequency.
With wire wrapping, genuine Moldavite stones can be worn as pendants, used in bracelets, or simply held during meditation. Where Does
Fake Moldavite Come From?
Most fake Moldavite comes from various countries in eastern Asia, such as China and India. These countries have a long history of creating counterfeit gemstones and jewelry, and thus, it’s not surprising that they have turned their attention to Moldavite.
Counterfeiters can create Moldavite in large quantities and sell it for a fraction of the price of the real thing. In recent years, fake Moldavite has reached such a level of sophistication that determining whether a piece is genuine or not requires more scrutiny.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s essential to know what to look for when trying to differentiate genuine Moldavite from fake Moldavite. A combination of general differences, specific characteristics, and careful examination can assist in determining if a Moldavite stone is authentic or counterfeit.
It’s also important to keep in mind that fake Moldavite has a long history, and as interest in it continues to grow, the prevalence of counterfeiters will continue to increase. By being vigilant and informed, collectors and buyers can protect themselves and their investment in this unique and valuable stone.
In conclusion, Moldavite is a fascinating gemstone-like material with a complex history and unique characteristics that make it valuable and sought after. Taking the time to learn how to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit Moldavite stones is essential to avoid being scammed.
Careful examination of the stone’s appearance, molds, and inclusions is crucial in determining authenticity. To assist readers in their understanding of Moldavite, here’s a quick list of FAQ’s:
– Why is Moldavite faked?
– What is Moldavite good for? – Where does fake Moldavite come from?