The name that is popular as Moldavite, also known as Bouteile or Vitavin, is actually a natural glass that has a long history behind its formation. The Moldavite crystal formation dates back 15 million years when an event occurred in which a splatter of hot glass was formed across central Europe due to an asteroid impact. This caused the formation of moldavite crystal that is usually available in colours like yellow green, green or greenish brown. People across the world prefer to use in it their necklaces, earrings, rings and other types of jewelry.

History of Moldavite

Whenever we talk about the rare gemstones on Earth then Moldavite is the name that comes top in the list. Many people consider as crystal but it is actually an olive green colour stone that is a natural glass formed due to a cosmic event that took place millions of years ago. For years scientists have been collecting these stones because of their unique geographic distribution and extraterrestrial origin. Still the question remains how was moldavite created? The answer to this is that Moldavite was created due to a collision between Earth and a big meteorite. Yes, moldavites belong to a family of natural glasses known as tektites but they are not a result of any volcanic activity but created when a meteorite hit Earth with a huge force and produced a large amount of heat and pressure.

Science Behind Moldavite Formation

Overnight, one day Moldavite stones came into existence; this is not the case! There is numerous scientific evidence and proper science to state the formation of Moldavite stones. Here is how Moldavite is formed scientifically:

1. Glass Formation:

Moldavite structure, which is one of the main features of these stones. In case of other types of minerals, when they cool they form crystal lattices but Moldavite cools quickly which prevents crystallization and offers it an amorphous structure. Moldavite is not a true crystal but a form of natural glass because of rapid cooling.

 2. The process of sculpting:

To understand how moldavite is formed scientifically, it is important to know about the process of sculpting. Actually when molten material passes through atmosphere it gains its shape due to air resistance. Similarly moldavite also gained its etched, wrinkled and sculpted surface and appears just like any carved glass or melted wax. In fact it is found in different shapes, which shows the way molten droplets of moldavite moved through the air. This is the reason it is available in the shapes of drops, discs, dumbbells and even irregular fragments. Studying these shapes gave an idea to the scientists about the modavite crystal formation process.

3. Moldavite-Chemical Composition:

Considering the fact that moldavite formation is explained already let’s understand its composition. The chemical composition of these stones is unique and quite different from other glasses. It doesn’t denote majorily the extraterrestrial material rather the rocks that were present at that time during the impact. Around 70 to 80 percent of Moldavite crystal is made up of silicon dioxide whereas it also comprises other chemicals like Aluminium oxide, Iron oxide, magnesium and calcium oxides. At times to identify the genuineness of moldavite stones, scientists trace their elements and isotopic signatures which tell about their terrestrial origin. 

4. Reasons for Rare Green Colour:

Moldavite crystals getting the rare green colour is not a coincidence but has a scientific reason behind it. Usually Moldavite stones are available in colours ranging from pale olive to deep forest green. The fact behind the rare green colour is due to iron impurities present inside the glass and when the oxidation process took place it got trapped inside. The factors like chemical composition of the original rock, cooling rate and process of weathering decide its actual colour. That is also the reason that no two moldavite stones appear similar.  

What makes Moldavite so a rare stone?    

Actually multiple factors can be held responsible for the rarity of Moldavite stone. One of those is its unique formation. The real moldavite crystal was formed due to a single known event that is a confirmed meteorite impact with the Earth. Besides that it is available in a very limited geographic distribution, that is, a small part of central Europe. One more factor that makes moldavite stones even more rare is their limited supply. It formed only once and it is no longer formed; that means once all the existing deposits are used then no new ones will replace them. These days, lots of people are interested in acquiring these unique stones so the jewelers, metaphysical markets are growing continuously.

Conclusion  

Upon understanding the remarkable history of moldavite crystal formation, we now know that there are numerous cosmic events that have shaped our history for years. Nearly 15 million years ago due to the powerful impact of a meteorite, the moldavite crystals were formed. Whereas its unique green colour speaks about the amazing scientific rapid cooling and sculpting process that contributed in its rare colour. As a result we understand its significance, rarity and unique beauty over other crystals.

Frequently Asked Questions  

1. Moldavite is one of the rarest tektites and is found in which areas of the world? 
Primarily this rarest tektite is found in regions of Bohemia and Moravia of the Czech Republic.

2. Moldavite has a rare green colour. What is the reason behind this green colour? 
Moldavite is actually formed due to a rapid cooling process when a few iron impurities got trapped inside and gave it this unique colour.

3. When considering about chemical composition of Moldavite stones then what is it mainly made of?
Around 70-80 percent of Moldavite stone is made up of silicon dioxide.