What Is Moldavite? Everything You Need to Know

It’s not really a gemstone, but you will find Moldavite jewelry for sale in stores and online marketplaces. So, what is it? At first, the name might make you think of, well … mold. And the forest green color might support that connection. But it’s technically a natural glass formed via a great impact.

Around a million years ago, near Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria (where most of the world’s real Moldavite is found), a meteor struck the Earth so hard that the intense heat melted parts of the surrounding planet. These melted pieces were flung upwards with the meteorite’s impact and deposited over a great distance, nearly 300 miles away. When cooled, what was left were Moldavite pieces.

Moldavite is supposed to possess an intense energy due to its extraterrestrial origins and is considered a very powerful stone for those interested in gem-based spiritual healing.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Moldavite healing properties, genuine Moldavite vs. fake Moldavite, how to buy Moldavite, and more.

Are Moldavites Real Gems?

As mentioned, Moldavites aren’t a real gemstone, even if they appear similar. Instead, Moldavites are what’s considered tektites. All tektites are formed the same way: A meteor strikes the ground, parts of the earth are melted and fly upwards upon impact, and those same pieces fall again, newly hardened into something brand-new.

Many similar substances that can be mistaken for precious gemstones, such as a Herkimer diamond, a type of quartz crystal, and Cape May diamonds, also a form of quartz.

The History of the Moldavite Stone

While crystal Moldavite may be pretty unfamiliar to today’s average jewelry shoppers, late prehistoric people discovered Moldavite and began using it tens of thousands of years ago. However, these individuals didn’t use it for jewelry but to form tools.

In modern times, scientists began discussing Moldavite in the late 1700s. About a century later, geologists began understanding Moldavite’s unique, otherworldly origins and how it differed immensely from other crystals.

Today, the majority of Moldavites used for jewelry are mined in the Czech Republic.

Buying Moldavite

Because Moldavite is only found in one spot on the planet, and because there’s a very limited supply, buying Moldavite can be difficult. You likely can’t walk into your local jewelry boutique and ask for a Moldavite ring.

The situation is further complicated by the ample amount of counterfeit Moldavite on the market. As such, if you can source the stone, make sure you know how to tell real Moldavite apart from the green glass imitations. (And if you don’t necessarily want to buy Moldavite but would like to see some in person, visit the Moldavite Museum in Český Krumlov, Czechia!).

How to Spot Differences Between Real Moldavite and Fake Moldavite

There is one great way to spot a fake fast. While Moldavite can appear to be a glassy substance, it shouldn’t appear 100% clear. If your specimen shows no inclusions (such as the internal lines or strings that look similar to what you might see in quartz) or any bubbles, you likely have a fake on your hands.

Another important distinction is that every piece of Moldavite was created individually by the meteor’s impact. As such, each stone will have a different appearance. So, if you have two pieces of Moldavite that appear identical, at least one is fake.

However, if your piece is not a bright green hue, that’s not necessarily indicative of a fake. While primarily green, Moldavites can range in hue from brown-green to bright bottle green. Most are relatively small compared to other gemstones, too, with the largest Moldavite sample only weighing around 8 ounces.

What Is Moldavite Good for? More about Its Powerful Metaphysical Properties

To those who believe in the healing properties of rose quartz, amethyst, and other gemstones, Moldavite may have a place in your gem collection.

Some practitioners say that when you charge Moldavite, it may be able to align the chakras, open the third eye, communicate interplanetary messages, help one reach their higher self, and neutralize hypnotic commands.

For those looking to tap into a higher level of spiritual growth using these Moldavite properties, proper care should be taken to cleanse Moldavite before use. While incense and running water are suitable, grittier materials like sand may damage the Moldavite crystal surface.

Should You Buy Moldavite?

It all depends. Here are a few things to remember as you decide whether or not to invest in this stone.

What Is A Moldavite Stone FAQs

What Does Rough Moldavite Look Like?

Rough Moldavite looks like an unpolished stone, more or less. It will have a rough outer surface and may still have the stone’s characteristic greenish hue.

What Is Moldavite Used for?

Moldavite is used in jewelry, while some use it for its metaphysical properties.

Can You Wear Moldavite As Jewelry?

Moldavite can be worn as jewelry, but its relative softness makes it unsuitable for items like rings that may be exposed to hard surfaces.

Is Moldavite Expensive?

While Moldavite isn’t as expensive as precious or semi-precious gemstones, its rarity means it can be more costly than many other common gemstones, such as quartz.

How Can You Tell if Moldavite Is Real?

As a glass-like substance, Moldavite will have some clarity but still feature quite a few impurities and inclusions, which may look like bubbles or straight and squiggly lines. If you have a piece of so-called Moldavite that is completely clear, it is likely a fake.

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Whatever jewelry you purchase, no matter how rare or its origins, specialized jewelry insurance can keep it safe in the event of loss, theft, or accidental damage.

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