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

Genuine Moldavite – Translucent Green Tektite from the Czech Republic

This Moldavite specimen is a genuine translucent green tektite formed by a prehistoric meteorite impact event in Central Europe. Carefully chosen for its natural shape, surface texture and colour, the exact specimen shown in the photographs is the piece you will receive. Please refer to the images for full sizing details 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 Classification & Impact Origin

Moldavite is classified as a tektite, a natural impact glass created when a large extraterrestrial body struck the Earth. It formed approximately 14.7–15 million years ago during the Middle Miocene epoch as a direct result of the Ries meteorite impact in Bavaria, Germany.

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

During the impact, extreme temperatures and pressures melted terrestrial rocks. Molten silica-rich material was ejected high into the atmosphere, where it cooled rapidly in flight before falling back to Earth across the Czech region. Moldavite is one of the rare tektites confidently linked to a specific, well-studied crater, making it especially significant in planetary science.

Geological Formation & Depositional Environment

The Ries crater, approximately 24 km in diameter, was formed when a high-velocity meteorite struck sedimentary and crystalline target rocks. The resulting melt was expelled beyond the crater zone, travelling hundreds of kilometres before deposition.

Moldavite fragments settled into Miocene fluvial and sedimentary deposits within the Bohemian Massif. Over millions of years, erosion processes exposed these specimens, allowing them to be recovered from surface sediments and gravels.

Its distinctive green colour is attributed to trace iron within the glass matrix. The rapid cooling during atmospheric transit prevented crystallisation, resulting in a natural amorphous glass structure distinct from volcanic obsidian. Geochemical analysis confirms its impact origin through isotopic and compositional signatures.

Morphology & Notable Features

Moldavite is renowned for its dramatic and intricate natural surface sculpture. Common morphological characteristics include:

• Deeply etched grooves and ridges

• Aerodynamic, elongated or drop-like forms

• Pitted and wrinkled textures

• Internal bubbles and flow structures

These features formed during atmospheric solidification and were later enhanced by chemical weathering within sedimentary environments. Conchoidal fracture surfaces are typical due to its vitreous structure.

Colour ranges from olive green to deeper forest green. Transparency varies from translucent to semi-transparent depending on thickness and internal bubble distribution. When held to light, thinner sections display vivid green transmission characteristic of high-quality Moldavite.

Scientific & Collector Significance

Moldavite is part of the wider tektite family but is chemically and geographically distinct from other impact glasses such as Libyan Desert Glass or Australasian tektites. Its confirmed connection to the Ries crater provides a rare, well-documented link between impact structure and ejecta material.

It has been extensively studied by geological institutions investigating impact melt dynamics, atmospheric cooling processes and ejecta dispersal patterns. Due to its limited geographic distribution within the Czech Republic, Moldavite remains highly sought after by meteorite collectors, impactite enthusiasts and mineral collectors worldwide.

Each specimen represents a tangible product of a documented cosmic collision event from the Miocene epoch.

Authenticity & Presentation

This Czech Moldavite specimen has been carefully selected for authenticity, colour and surface detail. The photographs show the exact piece you will receive.

Included is a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming that this item is genuine Moldavite formed by the Ries meteorite impact event.

A remarkable example of natural impact glass, this Moldavite specimen offers geological significance, confirmed extraterrestrial origin and distinctive translucent green character in one carefully chosen collectible piece.