Moldavite is an "extraterrestrial gem", the only gem in the tektite family that is green in color. Millions of years ago, a meteor struck the Earth in what is now Europe. From this impact came the world's entire supply of moldavite. In 2014, moldavite miners only find the gem in the Czech Republic.
This gem's out-of-this-world origins make it increasingly rare, but that does not mean that fans of the healing properties and the unmistakable beauty of moldavite cannot find a unique and valuable moldavite bracelet. Those interested in owning a moldavite bracelet increase their chances of buying real pieces by learning about the properties and appearance of genuine moldavite.
Moldavite is composed of metal oxides, aluminum oxide, and silicon dioxide. As such, it is a natural glass. Most moldavite is somewhat transparent and has what gemologists refer to as "vitreous luster," a term that simply means that it looks glassy. It is not uncommon, however, for pieces to be opaque. Increased transparency in this gemstone denotes a greater value.
Because this gem formed under extreme conditions, it is not as uniform as natural pieces of glass. Rather, pieces of true moldavite contain bubbles, many of which are elongated. Rough moldavite has a rippled or striated surface, thanks to the geological conditions of its birth and subsequent weathering. Moldavite ranges in shades of green from olive to forest, and some specimens are a greenish-brown blend.
Both gemologists and those who believe in moldavite's mystic powers note that this gem has an unearthly beauty, perhaps because it seemingly originated from the sky. This beauty inspires jewelry makers to craft bracelets with uncut pieces of raw moldavite that show off its rough surfaces and natural shapes.
Jewelers also cut moldavite into typical gem shapes and polish these so that the luster and color of the gem will shine. Moldavite bracelets might feature one large stone or hold many smaller pieces, with sterling silver being a common setting for Moldavite stones of all shapes and sizes. Jewelry lovers frequently find bracelets that feature moldavite but also incorporate other gems and minerals, like pietersite, labradorite, opal, roze quartz, and more.
Technicians cannot create true moldavite in a lab, and as enterprising individuals have harvested it over the years from the Czech Republic, the rarity and value of the gem are quite high. The result of this is a world of trade in fake moldavite that unscrupulous sellers pass off as the real thing.
Fans of these beautiful green gems do have a few ways to spot imitation and counterfeit moldavite, however. Real moldavite will not be bright green and it will not be completely uniform and smooth throughout, like a piece of new glass.
Fake moldavite bracelets often carry descriptive terms like, "lab-created," or a claim of being "harvested" from somewhere other than the Czech Republic. One common fake is the moldavite bead bracelet. The creator strings many perfectly round green beads onto elastic and calls it a true moldavite bracelet or a "lab-created" moldavite bracelet, neither of which are likely to be true. The price is also a solid indicator. "Genuine" moldavite that seems too inexpensive to be real is probably not legitimate.
Moldavite is a relatively soft stone, so take care not to engage in any rough activities while wearing moldavite bracelets, such as cleaning or playing sports. Do not clean with harsh cleaners. Mild soapy water is fine. Rinse away all traces of soap after cleansing.
Store a moldavite bracelet away from extreme temperatures and out of direct sunlight. A moldavite bracelet belongs in its own cloth jewelry bag, not in any bag or container with other pieces of jewelry. To store a moldavite bracelet with other jewelry items results in a very unfortunately damaged bracelet.
This gem's out-of-this-world origins make it increasingly rare, but that does not mean that fans of the healing properties and the unmistakable beauty of moldavite cannot find a unique and valuable moldavite bracelet. Those interested in owning a moldavite bracelet increase their chances of buying real pieces by learning about the properties and appearance of genuine moldavite.
The Appearance and Properties of Moldavite
Moldavite is composed of metal oxides, aluminum oxide, and silicon dioxide. As such, it is a natural glass. Most moldavite is somewhat transparent and has what gemologists refer to as "vitreous luster," a term that simply means that it looks glassy. It is not uncommon, however, for pieces to be opaque. Increased transparency in this gemstone denotes a greater value.
Because this gem formed under extreme conditions, it is not as uniform as natural pieces of glass. Rather, pieces of true moldavite contain bubbles, many of which are elongated. Rough moldavite has a rippled or striated surface, thanks to the geological conditions of its birth and subsequent weathering. Moldavite ranges in shades of green from olive to forest, and some specimens are a greenish-brown blend.
Types of Moldavite Bracelets
Both gemologists and those who believe in moldavite's mystic powers note that this gem has an unearthly beauty, perhaps because it seemingly originated from the sky. This beauty inspires jewelry makers to craft bracelets with uncut pieces of raw moldavite that show off its rough surfaces and natural shapes.
Jewelers also cut moldavite into typical gem shapes and polish these so that the luster and color of the gem will shine. Moldavite bracelets might feature one large stone or hold many smaller pieces, with sterling silver being a common setting for Moldavite stones of all shapes and sizes. Jewelry lovers frequently find bracelets that feature moldavite but also incorporate other gems and minerals, like pietersite, labradorite, opal, roze quartz, and more.
Spotting Fake Moldavite
Technicians cannot create true moldavite in a lab, and as enterprising individuals have harvested it over the years from the Czech Republic, the rarity and value of the gem are quite high. The result of this is a world of trade in fake moldavite that unscrupulous sellers pass off as the real thing.
Fans of these beautiful green gems do have a few ways to spot imitation and counterfeit moldavite, however. Real moldavite will not be bright green and it will not be completely uniform and smooth throughout, like a piece of new glass.
Fake moldavite bracelets often carry descriptive terms like, "lab-created," or a claim of being "harvested" from somewhere other than the Czech Republic. One common fake is the moldavite bead bracelet. The creator strings many perfectly round green beads onto elastic and calls it a true moldavite bracelet or a "lab-created" moldavite bracelet, neither of which are likely to be true. The price is also a solid indicator. "Genuine" moldavite that seems too inexpensive to be real is probably not legitimate.
Care and Storage of Moldavite Bracelets
Moldavite is a relatively soft stone, so take care not to engage in any rough activities while wearing moldavite bracelets, such as cleaning or playing sports. Do not clean with harsh cleaners. Mild soapy water is fine. Rinse away all traces of soap after cleansing.
Store a moldavite bracelet away from extreme temperatures and out of direct sunlight. A moldavite bracelet belongs in its own cloth jewelry bag, not in any bag or container with other pieces of jewelry. To store a moldavite bracelet with other jewelry items results in a very unfortunately damaged bracelet.
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