There is genuine moldavite for sale on the internet but unfortunately, this may not always be the case. In recent times, the internet has burst forth with Moldavite counterfeits that are extremely cheap and totally fake. The market is flooded with the rare Moldovan gem with counterfeit pieces that are available in all forms which include raw, cut, and polished samples. It is crucial to understand the subtle differences between genuine Moldavite and a fake look-alike to avoid getting deceived into paying a heavy price for a cheap forgery.
Characteristics Of Original Moldavite
Moldavite is a genre of precious stones which belongs to the category of “tektites”, that are distinguished by their characteristic of having fallen from the sky to Earth. The term Moldavite refers to the river in the Vltava Valley of Europe where Moldavite was originally unearthed and had been used to make amulets, jewelry, talismans, ornaments, and tools. Venus of Willendorf is the paleontological site where Moldavites were originally discovered and it also has connections with the traditions of the Holy Grail. According to Czech legends, Moldavite was given as an engagement present to ensure peace and affinity in the future marital relationship.
Clarity
Closely observe the clarity of the stone. Genuine Moldavite will never be completely smooth, clear, or polished throughout the entire sample. Original Moldavite comprises of silica but it will still have impurities in the form of magnesium or iron which makes it opaque and unable to see through unlike a diamond which is completely transparent. You will not be able to see right through a large piece of Moldavite if it is an original sample.
Texture
The texture of the surface of genuine Moldavite will be jagged, uneven, and scratchy, this is its natural characteristic. Original Moldavite can never be found with a completely smooth or polished surface. If the Moldavite sample is completely smooth like the surface of a glass bottle, it is not genuine Moldavite. Whether you are looking at a Moldavite pendant, earrings, or an amulet, original Moldavite will always have a jagged surface.
Coloration
Examine the stone’s color to distinguish genuine Moldavite from a fake. Genuine Moldavite will have a distinct mossy, dark-green color. Emeralds closely resemble Moldavite but emeralds have a much more vibrant shade of green in comparison to Moldavite. The stone is not Moldavite if there is a complete absence of the color green and it appears much darker.
Structure
Examine the stone’s structure or the physical formation of the stone. Genuine Moldavite has an “amorphous” structure, which means that it will not have any specific shape or any definite pattern of structure. For example, quartz has a crystalline structure which is obvious when viewing the stone. If you are looking at a sample of a potential Moldavite stone and it has a specific shape such as a circle, triangle, or square, it is not an original Moldavite.
Hardness
Original Moldavite has a hardness rating of 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, compare that to the 10 hardness rating of a diamond. Diamond cutters are used to cut other objects because of their hardness. Original Moldavite is still somewhat vulnerable to dents and scratches. Avoid carelessly handling an original piece of Moldavite.