What Is Moldavite Used For? - Meaning, Uses & Properties
Originating in the cosmos, moldavite crystal is believed to have formed roughly 15 million years ago when an asteroid hit the earth, and due to the intense heat and impact, a glassy gem formed in the crater site. Since humanity first discovered moldavite, it has been associated with the stars and the unseen metaphysical world.
Moldavite carries a long history and is often mentioned in folklore and mythology from vastly different cultures and societies. Moldavite amulets were found at the same site where the Venus of Willendorf was discovered, which has been dated to somewhere between 25,000 and 30,000 years old, aka the Stone Age! There is a high probability it was used in a spiritual or healing ritual, but the specific beliefs are lost to time.
This mossy green colored gem has been used by humankind for millennia, though often it has been confused or mislabeled as ‘emerald’ owing to its generally mossy green hue. Moldavite is still believed to have wonderful healing properties. When worn as on a necklace or as a moldavite bracelet, the user is said to feel the metaphysical properties of moldavite's intense vibration, which are thought to open up the chakras, particularly the heart chakra, and provide energetic and spiritual healing.
Different cultures throughout history have attached different qualities to moldavite. The metaphysical healing properties of moldavite crystals have one constant - those who wear moldavite report feeling an intense frequency from this green gem, known as a 'moldavite flush'.
Moldavite is regarded as a ‘high vibrational stone’ and accordingly, adherents will hold a moldavite crystal to ‘charge’ it and afterwards leave it somewhere, often in the sunlight, to work its magic.
How was moldavite formed?
About 15 million years ago the Ries and Steinheim craters located in south-eastern Germany, Czechia and Austria were created upon impact from a large asteroid which broke into two pieces before smashing into the ground.
The intense heat and impact of the extraterrestrial hunk of rock caused major displacement of molten rock, which flew up beyond the atmosphere and fell back down to earth. The feathery texture on the exterior of the stone is a result of this travel.
Nowadays, the area which moldavite was traditionally mined from has been depleted due to weathering and general erosion over time. Moldavite occurs as drop-shaped particles, always green, though ranging from dark green to a brighter shade, especially when polished and faceted.
Is my moldavite real?
Due to increasing demand and popularity, many fake moldavite crystals exist either as scams or genuine ignorance on behalf of the seller. An easy tell to see whether your moldavite is genuine or not is to check the color. Moldavite is always green. If your moldavite is any color other than a shade of green, avoid it!
Texture and size are two other giveaways: moldavite is a tektite, meaning it is a silicate-based glassy crystal formed due to the impact of an asteroid. The formation process is quick, messy and imperfect. Moldavite crystals will never naturally be smooth. They contain irregular indents and ridges, come in differing shapes and sizes and will never be uniform.
Be wary of sellers who have many large pieces of uniform size and shape for sale, as these are very likely to be fakes. Though moldavite crystals are a natural glass, they aren’t as translucent nor as shiny as a pane of glass. The only exception is pieces which have been cut and polished to appear less dull and more 'glassy'.
Genuine moldavite also contains bubbles known as Lechatelierite inclusions. If you view moldavite under a magnifying glass, you should expect to see these bubbles, which are particles of sand or gasses which did not have time to escape during the cooling process. Moldavite ranges from 6.5 to 6.9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it quite hard and scratch resistant.
Who used moldavite?
Moldavite exists in several mythological, spiritual and religious tales. Often mistaken or labelled as ’emerald’, there exists many tales of green crystals falling from the skies and crashing to earth, often with metaphysical healing powers or otherworldly connection.
There is an old legend about Lucifer and his battle against the Archangel Michael. Archangel Michael delivers a blow to Lucifer’s crown, knocking out an ‘emerald’ which then falls from the heavens and crashes into earth, much like our beloved moldavite!
In some versions of the legend, particularly the Arthurian quest for the Holy Grail, the Holy Grail stone itself was this chunk of heavenly ‘emerald’, dutifully carved up into a chalice by an angel and used by Jesus during the Last Supper.
In Buddhist tradition exists the Cintamani stone. It is said to have fallen from the sky and had to be taken to a place called Shambala, a kingdom inside the earth, where the Lord of the Earth (Sanat Kumara) keeps it. Interestingly, there are overlaps between these two massively differing accounts between east and west.
In Western tradition, Lucifer is always linked with Venus, the ‘Morning Star’, the ‘bringer of light’, as is Sanat Kumara from the east! Another connection between the two is that Lucifer has been given the moniker ‘Prince of Earth’ whilst Sanat Kumara retains the title ‘Lord of the Earth’. The Cintamani stone was used for inspiration in the Dragon Ball anime series, as well as the Uncharted 2: Among Thieves video game.
Why choose moldavite jewelry?
As the old Irish proverb says: "That which is rare is wonderful" and moldavite is one of the rarest gems out there, which makes it difficult to obtain, and raises its value among gem collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike. There are only around 275 tons of moldavite on earth, and that isn't going to increase barring another massive asteroid impact. Its very existence is a random chance encounter between the universe and our own planet.
What most purchasers of moldavite crystal and moldavite jewelry appreciate is its uniqueness. Unlike other gems or diamonds, moldavite is sought after for its irregularities!
Owning moldavite necklaces, bracelets, pendants, rings or earrings is guaranteed to be a conversational piece, and you can be assured that you will stand out. That being said, the demand for moldavite is increasing and consequently, so are the imitation/fake pieces of moldavite. Moldavite works very well for someone who wants an eye-catching piece with a storied history and a connection to the stars!
To get your own unique piece of jewlery made from genuine moldavite, check out our made to order moldavite jewelry.
