Moldavite (Tektite)

Specific Gravity: &nbsp;2.40
Refractive Index: &nbsp;1.48-1.51
Birefringence (DR): &nbsp;None
Luster: &nbsp;Vitreous
Crystal Structure: &nbsp;Amorphous
Composition: &nbsp;Mainly silicon dioxide
Hardness: &nbsp;5

Moldavite (Tektite) was first discovered in 1787 in the Moldau River in Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic/Slovakia). Hence, it was called moldavite. Other color varieties of this natural glass have since been found in many different localities. Moldavite (tektite) is usually transparent and occurs in a range of colors from green to brown. Its surface is mostly uneven or rough.

It has a distinct lumpy, jagged, or scarred texture. A moldavite (tektite) does not contain the crystallites found in obsidian. It may, however, have characteristic inclusions of round or torpedo-shaped bubbles or treacle-like swirls.

A moldavite (tektite) may be confused with diopside due to the green color in some stones. The rough of a moldavite (tektite) stone usually has a distinct craggy or uneven surface. Other stones show cooling cracks. On the contrary, a moldavite (tektite) may also be button-shaped due to the cooling of molten glass.

Several ideas have been put forward to explain the mysterious origin of tektite. One theory is that it came to Earth from outer space. It melted as it passed through the atmosphere and thus formed its characteristic shape and surface texture. A second theory is that the impact of a large meteorite caused the surrounding rocks to melt and scatter. The cracks and scars then appeared as they cooled.

It is common to facet the green and transparent variety. The dark brown and semi-translucent stones are rarely faceted.

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Occurrence

The Moldau River in Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic/Slovakia) is the only source of the green and transparent variety of a moldavite (tektite). On the other hand, a moldavite (tektite) stone from Thailand is usually carved as a small, decorative object. It is worn in the belief that it gives protection from evil.