Gemstone profile and identification guide
Moldavite
Moldavite is a natural impact glass (tektite) formed during the Ries impact event and found in Central Europe.
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Overview
Moldavite is a natural impact glass (tektite) formed during the Ries impact event and found in Central Europe.
Did you know? Moldavite supply is geologically limited to one impact-related strewn field.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Moldavite
Scientific classification: Mineraloid (Tektite, Natural Impact Glass)
Hardness: 5.5 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Amorphous
Primary colour: Olive Green
Secondary colour: Green
Colour family: Greens
Etched surface texture, green glassy body, and Czech provenance are core identifiers.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: medium
Hardness value: 5.5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Natural silica-rich impact glass
Crystal system: Amorphous
Common locations: Czech Republic (Bohemia and Moravia strewn field)
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Olive to bottle-green natural impact glass from the Central European strewn field.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Natural tektite glass (moldavite)
Mineral group: Mineraloid
Chemical formula: Natural silica-rich impact glass
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Crystal system: Amorphous
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Specific gravity: 2.30-2.40
Refractive index: 1.48-1.52
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Olive green to bottle green
Common inclusions: Bubbles, flow textures, lechatelierite inclusions
Geological environment: Impact-generated strewn field deposits
Principal mining regions: Czech Republic (Bohemia and Moravia strewn field)
Important commercial sources: Commercial moldavite is sourced from the Czech Republic strewn field
Historical significance: A well-known impact glass in geology and collector communities.
Common treatments: Generally untreated; fake etching may be applied to imitations.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Green bottle glass and lab-made glass are common imitations.
Common look-alikes: Green glass, Libyan desert glass variants
Jewellery uses: Used in collector pieces, pendants, and niche faceted or carved jewelry.
Care recommendations: Brittle glassy material; avoid impact, ultrasonic cleaning, and strong thermal shock.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Moldavite.
Formation
Formed by impact ejection and rapid quenching of silica-rich material associated with the Ries crater event.
Origin
Commercial moldavite is sourced from the Czech Republic strewn field
Uses
Best for: Used in collector pieces, pendants, and niche faceted or carved jewelry.
Ideal uses: Collector-oriented jewelry and display specimens.
Care
Brittle glassy material; avoid impact, ultrasonic cleaning, and strong thermal shock.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
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Moldavite FAQ
How can I identify Moldavite?
Compare hardness (5.5 Mohs), crystal system (Amorphous), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Moldavite appear in?
Olive to bottle-green natural impact glass from the Central European strewn field.
Where is Moldavite commonly used?
Collector-oriented jewelry and display specimens.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.