Piece of moldavite, a green glass formed by an ancient meteorite impact. The 94 ct. individual specimen weighs 18.8 grams and measures approximately 30 mm x 35 mm x 13 mm.
The word “tektite” comes from the Greek word for “molten.” Tektites come in a vast array of shapes and sizes, and form in a manner similar to terrestrial volcanic glasses, obsidians: they’re ejected during meteorite impacts. However, unlike volcanic glasses, tektites contain virtually no water, and their silica and isotope composition are quite different from obsidians. They also contain bands or particles of lechatelierite, a mineraloid that forms from quartz at very high temperatures. Lechatelierite is not found in obsidians and is common to tektites.
Genuine Moldavites are luminous green glasses formed 14.5 million years ago by the impact of a giant meteorite that created the 15-mile wide Reis Crater in Germany. The Moldavites were blasted some 200 to 400 kilometers, all the way to the modern-day Czech Republic. Mining and popularity has dramatically depleted the supply of this exquisite glass. When cut and polished, the deep green color of most Moldavite pieces is reminiscent of emeralds and peridot.
Accompanied by an Aerolite Meteorites COA. Aerolite, one of the world’s most well-respected meteorite companies, was founded by Geoff Notkin, who famously starred in the TV show “Meteorite Men.”