-40%
Gorgeous 3.85ct FL Round Natural Moldavite/Tektite Gemstone Great Ring Size!
$ 10.53
- Description
- Size Guide
Description
THIS LISTING IS FOR:A SINGLE 3.85ct FL Forest Green Natural Tektite Moldavite Gemstone!!!
This is an Incredibly Beautiful n Rare Stone!!!
Gemstone Properties:
Size = 10 x 10 x 6.90mm
Weight = 3.85cts
Shape/Cut = Round
Clarity = FL
Color = Green
Treatment = None
Origin = Southern Bohemia
Moldavite Gemological Properties:
Chemical Formula: SiO(+Al2O3) Silicon dioxide + aluminum oxide
Crystal Structure: Amorphous
Color: Bottle-green to brown-green
Hardness: 5.50
Refractive Index: 1.48 to 1.54
Density: 2.32 to 2.38
Cleavage: None
Transparency: Transparent to opaque
Double Refraction or Birefringence: None
Luster: Vitreous
Fluorescence: None
About Moldavite - History and Introduction
Moldavite, also known as the 'Bouteille Stone' or as 'Vltavin' in Czech, is an olive-green to dull brown-green vitreous gemstone. The unusual green gem garnered much fame and attention owing to its unusual origin. Moldavite was thought to have been formed by condensed rock vapors after a meteorite impact. Moldavite belongs to the Tektite group of minerals, which is a small family of natural glass rocks. Moldavite is sometimes touted as 'the only known extraterrestrial gemstone on Earth', or as 'the gemstone born from the stars'.
Moldavite was once thought to be an artificial product, and for a long time, it was even believed to be a variety of volcanic obsidian glass. Moldavite was first introduced as 'chrysolites' by Professor Josef Mayer of Prague University. Later, the name 'chysolites' was replaced by 'moldavite' as it was to be named after 'Moldauthein' the town of where the first specimens of were discovered and described. Gem-quality moldavite is typically offered in two grades; regular and museum grade. The finest specimens are museum grade. Museum grade moldavite exhibits higher transparency and displays a distinct fern-like pattern. Regular moldavite is typically darker green, often brownish in color and its surfaces appear pitted or weathered.
Identifying Moldavite
Moldavite is a pale to dark-green or brown-green gemstone belonging to the tektite group of minerals. Gemologically, it is a type of natural glass with an amorphous crystal structure. It contains silicon dioxide (SiO2) and aluminum oxide (AlO3). It has a relatively good level of hardness, rating 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Its density ranges from 2.32 to 2.38 and its refractive index is similar to volcanic glass obsidian. Moldavite exhibits a vitreous luster when cut and polished and often has a rough, scarred surface.
Moldavite; Origin and Sources
Moldavite gets its name from the town of Moldauthein in the Czech Republic, where it was first found. Currently, moldavite deposits have been found in Southern and Northwestern Bohemia, Western Moravia, Lusatia (Germany) and Waldviertel (Austria). It is estimated that 99% of all moldavite is sourced from South Bohemia and 1% is sourced from South Moravia. Small, scattered findings of gem-quality moldavite have also been reported in Dresden, West Bohemia and Austria.
The total amount of moldavite in the world is estimated to be about 275 tons' worth. Previously, there were four moldavite mines in operation throughout the Czech Republic, but today only one pit remains, which legally produces moldavite on a commercial level. It is estimated that all gem-quality moldavite will be completely exhausted in about ten years' time.
Buying Moldavite and Determining Moldavite Value
Moldavite Color
Moldavite occurs in a variety of shades of green, including deep, forest-green and pale to olive-green. Some materials from Moravia are known to occur with greenish-brown color. The most desirable color is a pure, light to medium green with no brown, and not too dark in tone.
Moldavite Clarity and Luster
Moldavite can occur transparent to opaque. The finest specimens are transparent and are considered extremely rare. Most moldavite today is opaque with slight levels of translucency. Generally, the higher the transparency, the more valuable the stone. There is a great price difference between 'regular grade' and 'museum grade' Moldavite.
Moldavite Cut and Shape
Moldavite is available in a variety of cuts and shapes. Only the finest and most transparent of materials are faceted, while the rest are typically traded in their natural rough state. The most common shapes are those that result from its molten formation, such as drop shape, disc shape, oval, elliptical or spiral shape, as well as 'splash' shapes which resemble patterns of spilled liquids. Bohemian moldavite is usually drop-shaped, while Moravian moldavite is spherical.
Moldavite Treatment
Most moldavite is not treated or enhanced in any way. However, moldavite is sometimes fused with other types of borosilicate glass.
Moldavite Gemstone Jewelry Care and Cleaning
Moldavite is fairly soft and fragile compared to most other jewelry gemstones. Thus, it requires some extra care. When cleaning moldavite, avoid the use of any harsh chemicals or cleaners. Do not use any heat or steam cleaners and avoid ultrasonic cleaners. You can wipe your stones down using a plain soft cloth and mild soapy water. Be sure to rinse your gems well to remove any soapy residue.
Do not expose your gems and jewelry to extreme temperature fluctuations and be sure to avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight. Do not store your moldavite gems and jewelry with other types of gems. Gemstones should be stored separately and wrapped in soft cloth or placed inside a fabric-lined jewelry box. Always remove any moldavite jewelry before exercising, playing sports or engaging in any vigorous household chores.
As an eBay seller I am dedicated to making sure every customer walks away feeling as if they received an excellent deal for a high quality item.
I'm so sure you will be pleased with this purchase that I gladly offer a 100% money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied, (No Questions Asked) *
***Satisfaction Guaranteed (14 day Money Back Guarantee)***
***International Shipping Rates Apply (Combined Weight)***
***Will Combine Shipping Charges***
***Request Total in Cart Prior to Payment***
* To qualify for the money back guarantee the item must be returned within 14 days of receipt and be in its original unaltered and undamaged condition. Shipping is not included