Moldavite FAQ & Care

Colorful space art with a glowing green Moldavite gem for the FAQ page

Is Moldavite a meteorite?

No. It is a tektite: Earth rock melted by an asteroid impact. The asteroid itself mostly vaporized.

Is it radioactive or dangerous?

No. Moldavite is ordinary natural glass and safe to handle. Treat sharp etched edges with care.

Is it legal to buy and export?

Yes, buying and exporting legally sourced Moldavite is normal. In the Czech Republic it is a reserved mineral, so unlicensed digging is illegal.

How do I clean it?

Use lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, acids, salt water and sudden temperature changes.

How should I store it?

Separately in a soft pouch or padded box. Harder stones like quartz can scratch it, and delicate etched spikes break easily.

Can I wear it every day?

Yes, but with a hardness of about 5.5–7 it scratches and chips more easily than quartz. Protective settings (bezels) help for rings.

Why is it so expensive?

A single source region, protected and declining supply, closed premium localities and strong global demand. See Price.

What is "angel chime" or "hedgehog" Moldavite?

Trade terms for very spiky, deeply etched pieces, most famously from Besednice. Thin angel-chime pieces can make a faint ringing sound when tapped together.

Does Moldavite form today?

No. All Moldavite formed in one event about 14.8 million years ago; the supply is finite.

Glossary

TermMeaning
TektiteNatural glass from a meteorite impact
Strewn fieldArea where tektites from one impact landed
LechatelieriteNearly pure silica glass inclusion formed at extreme temperatures
SchlierenSwirled streaks in glass
VltavínCzech name for Moldavite
RiesThe impact crater in Bavaria that produced Moldavite