Moldavite
Moldavite
Moldavite is a mineral which is said to have formed under the heat of the impact of an asteroid. This event occurred about 15 million years ago, and a splash of hot glass formed a field scattered across central Europe.Moldavite is usually yellowish green, green or greenish brown in color. It has been cut in faceted gemstones and cabochons since the mid-1800s. They are used in rings, earrings, necklaces, pins and other types of jewelry.
The Moldavite is believed to have formed around 15 million years ago during the impact that produced the Ries and Steinheim craters in southeastern Germeny. An incoming asteroid is believed to have broken into two pieces which produced this pair of craters. The impact bodies approached from the southwest. They struck at a speed high enough to melt and splash the target rock through a runoff field that includes parts of what is now the Czech Republic, Austria and Germeny.
Most of the splashes solidified in the air and fell to Earth in the Czech Republic. Meteorite experts have called these materials "impactites". Moldavite is also considered a mineraloid because it is a natural inorganic solid which has no crystal structure. It solidified so quickly that the atoms did not have time to organize themselves into minerals.
Beautiful specimens of raw moldavite are popular with meteorite and mineral collectors. The extraterrestrial origin of Moldavite gives it a particular attraction for meny people interested in new age, astrological and spiritual practices.
Most of the splashes solidified in the air and fell to Earth in the Czech Republic. Meteorite experts have called these materials "impactites". Moldavite is also considered a mineraloid because it is a natural inorganic solid which has no crystal structure. It solidified so quickly that the atoms did not have time to organize themselves into minerals.
Beautiful specimens of raw moldavite are popular with meteorite and mineral collectors. The extraterrestrial origin of Moldavite gives it a particular attraction for meny people interested in new age, astrological and spiritual practices.
Learn more about moldavite: Wikipedia