Moldavite Genuine Czech Republic Tektite Meteorite Impact Glass with Certificate of Authenticity

Genuine Moldavite – Czech Republic Impact Glass Specimen

This Moldavite specimen is a genuine natural tektite formed as a result of a prehistoric meteorite impact event in Central Europe. Carefully selected for its natural texture, colour and form, the photograph provided shows an example of the actual specimen you will receive. Each piece displays similar quality and characteristics, with natural variations in shape and surface detail. Please refer to the images for full sizing information and scale.

This meteorite-related specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming that it is authentic Moldavite from the Czech Republic.

Meteorite Type & Geological Classification

Moldavite belongs to the tektite family, a group of natural impact glasses created when a large extraterrestrial body strikes the Earth. It formed approximately 14.7–15 million years ago during the Middle Miocene epoch following the Ries meteorite impact in Bavaria, Germany.

Meteorite Association: Ries Impact Structure
Material Type: Tektite (Natural Impact Glass)
Geological Stage: Middle Miocene
Approximate Age: 14.7–15 million years
Primary Strewn Field: Bohemia and Moravia, Czech Republic
Composition: Silica-rich glass (SiO₂) with aluminium, potassium, iron and trace elements

During the impact event, intense heat and pressure melted surface rocks. Molten material was ejected beyond the crater at high velocity, travelling through the atmosphere before cooling rapidly and solidifying into glass. These cooled fragments fell across what is now the Czech Republic, forming a defined strewn field.

Moldavite is one of the rare tektites confidently linked to a specific impact crater, making it highly significant within planetary geology.

Geological Formation & Depositional Environment

The Ries crater, approximately 24 kilometres in diameter, formed when a large meteorite struck sedimentary and crystalline rocks. The impact generated extreme temperatures sufficient to melt and vaporise target material. Ejected melt droplets travelled hundreds of kilometres and were deposited primarily in the Bohemian Massif region.

Over millions of years, Moldavite fragments became incorporated into Miocene fluvial and sedimentary deposits. Subsequent erosion exposed them at or near the surface, where they are recovered today.

Unlike volcanic glass such as obsidian, Moldavite’s chemistry and isotopic composition confirm its impact origin. The glass structure is amorphous, having cooled too rapidly for crystal formation.

Morphology & Notable Characteristics

Moldavite is well known for its distinctive natural surface textures and sculptural forms. Typical features include:

• Deeply etched and grooved surfaces

• Irregular, elongated or drop-like shapes

• Wrinkled, pitted exterior textures

• Internal bubbles and flow lines

These textures formed during atmospheric flight and cooling, then were enhanced by natural chemical weathering within sedimentary environments.

Colour typically ranges from olive green to darker forest green. Transparency varies from translucent to semi-transparent depending on thickness and internal bubble distribution. The vitreous lustre and light transmission are especially visible in thinner sections.

Each specimen is naturally unique due to its formation and subsequent geological history.

Scientific & Collector Importance

Moldavite is one of the most recognised impact glasses in the world and is highly sought after by meteorite collectors, impactite enthusiasts and mineral collectors. Its confirmed association with the Ries crater provides a documented link between crater and ejecta material, offering valuable insight into impact melt formation and atmospheric cooling processes.

As a member of the tektite family, Moldavite is distinct from other impact glasses such as Libyan Desert Glass or Australasian tektites, both in age and geographic origin.

Authenticity & Presentation

Each Moldavite specimen offered has been carefully chosen for authenticity and quality. The photograph shows an example of the actual specimen you will receive, with natural variation in shape and surface texture expected due to its impact origin.

Included with your purchase is a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming that the item is genuine Moldavite from the Czech Republic.

A remarkable product of a documented extraterrestrial impact event, this Moldavite specimen combines geological significance, cosmic history and distinctive green impact glass character in one carefully selected collectible piece.