Moldavites stem from a Meteorite that struck the earth more than 14.7 million years ago.
Moldavite is a rare tektite, stemming from a meteorite that collided with earth approximately 14.7 million years ago and created the Ries crater in Germany. Moldavite is only found in Southern Bohemia, Western Moravia and the Cheb Basin in the Czech Republic, close to the river Moldau, and on rare occasions in Lusatia, Germany and Waldviertel, Austria. It has unique chemical components, but is said to have strong metaphysical properties as well.
Hardness According To Moh's Scale
Moldavites range in hardness between 6.5 and 6.9 on the Moh's scale, which positions the stone between orthoclase at a hardness of 6 and quartz ranking at 7. The greater hardness sets Moldavite apart from regular bottle glass, which is much softer at only 5.5 on the Moh's scale, and helps to discern between this real rarity of a tektite and imitations. Higher silica dioxide content seems to be related to a greater hardness.
Chemical Properties
Moldavites have a large, but varying content of silica dioxide, based on mining location. Moldavites from the eakov -- Jankov area are comprised of 72 percent of silica dioxide, while those from eeske Budìjovice contain about 80 percent. Radomilice moldavites were found to have the highest known silica dioxide content at up to 83 percent. Other properties of moldavite are about 10 percent aluminum oxide and 14 percent ferrous oxide. When analyzed further, moldavites also showed a composition of magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, sodium oxide and potassium oxide. Scientists have found very uncommon elements including rubidium, cesium, strontium, barium, zirconium and hafnium in minute quantities in Moldavites as well.
Optical Characteristics
Moldavites have a refractive index between 1.48 and 1.51. They are an exception among tektites when it comes to translucency. While tektites normally don't give away their color very well in incident light, the higher translucency in Moldavites allows for easier study of color in relation to chemical components. Colors vary from pale green to brown.
Physical Properties
The mass of Moldavites varies between 2.29 and 2.46g cm3. The largest Moldavite tektite ever found was 258.5g. It was discovered in Slavice in Moravia.
Metaphysical Properties Of Moldavite
Moldavite is said to be a highly vibrational and powerful gem stone that opens and activates not only the heart chakra to bring pure intentions and balance in all matters of the heart, but also the 3rd eye and crown chakras. Using the tektite in relation to the third eye and crown chakra promises enhancement of psychic powers and achievement of altered states of mind. Furthermore, moldavite has been referred to as a stone of rapid transformation, which encourages inner growth and aids in the pursuit of spiritual maturity.
Tags: silica dioxide, about percent, chemical components, dioxide content, greater hardness, million years