Moldavite, a tektite, is a natural glass of extraterrestrial origin famous for its unique formation and properties. Some trace its appearance to the heat produced from an asteroid impact. It can be semi-transparent depending on the angle, varying from light green to dark green. Moldavite’s hardness can range from 5.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale and is difficult for even diamonds to scratch. The crystal enjoys a special place across the globe because it has proved to be one of the most potent crystals known on Earth – because of its construction, origin, and rarity can be a great addition to anyone’s collection.
One of the best ways to incorporate it into your lifestyle can be by buying Moldavite jewelry. Although jewelers make rings, earrings, and bracelets, one of the most sought-after items is the Moldavite necklace or pendant. Whether you are a fashion-forward person or a believer in its healing properties, buying and using this crystal in the form of a pendant or necklace can be the easiest. You can wear one to any party, as the stone comfortably sits strategically, which can be a vision. Everyone would at least notice it once. Don’t feel surprised if it becomes a point of conversation starter amid the sea of people around.
However, this type of necklace doesn’t have to follow any unique wearing guide. You can keep it close to your chest, the base of your throat, or even the solar plexus chakra. Someone who is not into healing and meditative practices can feel amused to know that all these spots are energy fields of emotions. When a healing crystal-like Moldavite comes in contact with any of these, you can experience a transformational and positive change, which many users have arguably witnessed. Well, these are primarily anecdotal references. But certain aspects of this stone are undeniable or better to consider before you go for it.
Moldavites characteristics
Moldavites are a particular class of tektite. They have a typical refractive index (RI) and specific gravity (SG) values different from other tektites’ irregular shapes and chemical compositions. You may have to conduct tests for XRF (X-ray fluorescence) or search for inclusions to recognize the crystal. These unique gems typically have sinuous, wavy ripples resembling “heat waves” of hessonite gemstone that boast honey-like shade. The minerals contained in the crystal can appear as bubbles, flow marks, or wires of a particular type of silica glass. If someone is familiar with lechatelierite inclusions and can spot the same in the crystal, one doesn’t have to doubt the stone’s authenticity.
The distinction between fake and real Moldavites
As a casual jewelry shopper, you may not want to learn about all the aspects of a gemstone. But when you develop an interest in something as powerful and unique, paying attention to its background or understanding its properties can prove rewarding. After all, it may not be a low-cost purchase. You can refer to Moldavite Necklace Guide – Yoper for some knowledge. At the same time, you can dig in other places for more information. For example, the issue of counterfeit pieces entering the market is not uncommon for something as popular and pricey as this gemstone. Hence, you would want to know to protect your choice.
While Moldavite jewelry is beautiful, most of the material sold as Moldavite comes from Bohemia and other European sources. Moldavites are tektites formed by the impact of a meteorite named Strewnfield Crater in Nördlinger Ries, located in Germany. So always be wary when purchasing your Moldavite necklace. Some vendors offer Ivorite of Libyan desert glass, but these are not genuine gemstones you want to buy. The real ones mostly come from the Czech Republic, Poland, and France.
Other indicators can be the color and texture. The actual stone will have a forest green shade. Anything too bright a green should be a red flag. Then, like other natural stones, genuine Moldavite will also have uneven shapes and marks on the edges. So it can be another lookout. And, of course, the original stones are from the Czech Republic. Hence, if the source is from another country, you don’t have to trust them.
Gem shape and design for Moldavites
Moldavite rough pieces have a unique look, similar to glass since they’re a form of tektite. Some flat pieces can look like discs, while others resemble shallow bowls with very rough edges. A lapidary can sometimes cut Moldavite into exotic shapes favorable to certain types of jewelry made from beads and gemstones. Lapidaries typically choose simple rounds and emerald cuts while cutting down these beautiful stones that usually exhibit an exciting play of color. Cabochons are also great picks when it comes time to add moldavite pieces to other gemstones and metals on various jewelry or loose stone pendant necklaces. You might also choose a small wire-wrapped polished moldavite piece for a nice finished touch.
The pricing of Moldavites
Moldavite is expensive based on supply and demand. Few locations are abundant enough to extract it in large quantities, meaning that the price can vary dramatically depending on the site. Also, because Moldavite is such a rare gemstone, the price can be high. However, you can also attribute this to the elaborate mining process that drives its cost.
Moldavites often appear as droplets that are just a few centimeters. They are pretty small like other raw and natural pieces. These small pieces need deft handling by a master cutter or those who specialize in this specific path before anyone can wear them on their bodies as jewelry. Larger sizes can also be available, but they are again so rare that even small pieces used in jewelry become expensive to buy. Nevertheless, there are other factors also that dictate its price and value.
A very high-value section exists near the Czech Republic where something as big as 86.5 carats had been available. Still, generally, Moldavite comes in tiny sizes and can be pretty fragile and thus highly susceptible to breakage due to rough handling and wear-and-tear. Also, color can be a thing. The green shades are pretty in demand. They may also contain bubbles of brown or green hues. Something with a brown effect can be less pricey than the green one, which happens to be one of its unique attributes. Similarly, any variety with even yellow and white sections can also be more affordable.
If you go for a Moldavite necklace, you can pay a higher price for a piece that looks translucent or transparent because of the clarity.
Shopping tips for Moldavite necklace
A few considerations can make your online purchase safe and enjoyable with this gemstone style. One of them is about the origin of the stone. With this, knowing about its grades can be helpful. The top-quality ones can be identifiable as Museum grade. Besides that, you can also find medium and regular options. Each grading of stone speaks through the appearance. The ordinary stones will likely have high saturation levels of darker shades at the bottom, close to Seawood, and look quite craggy with pits. These gemstones are usually the broken parts of the larger chunks. You can expect a slightly better color and feel in a medium-range, though.
On the other end, the highest quality stones stand out for their clarity. Jewelers often use them in handcrafted pieces. Because they are smoother with a few flaws, you can imagine them as an expensive buy.
Care and maintenance of Moldavite jewelry
With a hardness of 5, Moldavite can be vulnerable to scratches. You must keep them in protective settings and wear them less often to avoid dings from everyday use. But because of their glass-like transparency and variety of colors, Moldavites make for excellent display materials for items such as necklaces and pendants. These are safer options also than rings and bracelets.
However, steam or ultrasonic cleaning equipment could dull their luster and even crack them. Moreover, it would be best to avoid chemicals like bleach which can etch away their surface color over time. Use soft brushes and a mild soapy solution instead. It will also be better to look at your manufacturer’s manual for cleaning suggestions to play safe with your precious possession.
The risk with Moldavite stone
Moldavite’s fragility is easy to overlook, especially if purchasing this stone for the first time. Remember to treat it gently because it is a fragile object. Be sure that there should be adequate protection with proper and secure packaging when you buy your stone. It’s also important to realize that it can become delicate with time since it belongs to a meteorite. As it is a type of glass, humidity can also cause damage over time. So take proper measures to ensure proper environment for its storage.
Nevertheless, whether you add it to your collection for an animated display of your possession or by getting impressed by its healing qualities, you must opt for the genuine variety to cherish it in every sense and serve your ultimate goal. Once secured the right thing, you can enjoy it for years.
