Moldavite was formed during a celestial event some 15 million years ago. A huge astroid estimated to be around 1 km in diameter struck southern Germany and formed what is today known as Ries Crater. This event would have caused an explosion hundreds of times that of Hiroshima, flattening the area for miles around.

The crater ejection material had a high content of silicon dioxide and underwent intense heat of approximately 30,000 C before it was ejected in its molten state into the upper atmosphere. At this point, the Moldavites underwent plastic deformation as they interacted with the aerodynamic forces under intense surface tension. They underwent ablation and more shape deformation on their return to earth. Many Moldavites were shattered do to their internal pressure or fractured upon impact.

Most bubbles in Moldavite are thought to have formed from gases released from the host rock during impact. Elongated bubbles are said to have formed during the cooling down stage as the stones returned to earth. Lechatelierite, a pure form of SiO2, is formed when quartz undergoes an intense transformative heating process. The beautiful flow forms and fluvial structure of Lechatelierite is found in virtually all Moldavites. It gives Moldavite its unique internal structure and is one of the main ways we can identify genuine Moldavite from fakes.

It is estimated only 1% of the initial Moldavites born from this event, survive today. Millions of years of shifting sediments,  and natural erosion of the stones have claimed the rest. The largest deposits of Moldavite have been found in the upper Vltava River basin between Prachatice and Trhovým Sviny, especially to the south and west of České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic. Moldavites have also been found in Moravia, mainly in the central area of the river Jihlava. Stones from this region are sometimes referred to as Moravita, and have a brownish color and are, on the whole, not as desirable as their green Bohemian siblings. Other less significant Moldavite sites have been discovered in neighboring Austria.

The texture of Moldavite varies drastically, but it is caused from a combination of the ablation phase during the stones descent and natural corrosion process over millions of years in various conditions. Stones from more sandy acidic soils often have a more lacquered appearance with a bright, glassy appearance. Stones found in more clay alkaline soils have a detailed pyramidal micro-sculptation which creates a velvety luster. Other field stones that are collected which have been found close to the surface, sometimes have their texture worn away completely like a river rock.

The Cintamani Stone, Agni Mani, Stone of Ra, Grailstone- these are all names that have been associated with Moldavite. The Cintamani Stone, or "wish-fulfilling gem" according to legend, is a green gem that fell from the stars and was sent to earth from the Sirius, a key star in the constellation of Orion. 

In Sanskrit, the grail stone was called "Agni Mani" or "Fire Pearl". In the West, we know this legend as "The Philosopher's Stone". The stone was said to grant protection, immortality. Its power was considered so great that it was sent for safekeeping to the hidden city of Shambhala. Although in our physical plane, it appears as a green stone, its power lies beyond the physical realm and it acts as an inter-dimensional artifact. 

One of the most ancient references we have of Moldavite being used for mystical purposes, is the Moldavites which were found in the ancient temple by the Venus of Willendorf. This fertility goddess, symbolizing Mother Earth, is perhaps the oldest depiction of a deity every discovered, estimated to be 28,000 years old!

Whatever the case is, the only way you can decipher what mysteries Moldavite holds is to experience it for yourself. We love to hear customers stories so please send us an email with your story to share with others.