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Moldavite
- Czech Republic
- Gems, 3.28 ct, 10.0 mm
- Start Time: 08/04/2011 7:15:00 pm (CDT)
- End Time: 08/11/2011 7:15:00 pm (CDT)
- Auction Closed
Item Description
Moldavite is often referred to as the "gem that fell to earth". This material is believed to have formed when a shower of meteorites fell in what is now the Czech Republich within a one hundred mile area around the Vltava River, which was once called the Moldau, and from which Moldavite gets its name. These stones are actually tektites and Moldavite is a one-of-a-kind tektite. There are many theories where Moldavite originated and the inability of science to resolve the issues with one conclusive explanation of the true origins of Moldavite causes it to remain one of the great mysteries of the gem world. Nonetheless, Moldvaite isn't often faceted into gems (usually it is left in it's original form or used for carvings - plus the very unusual form of the "rough" stones doesn't make for very good yield when it comes to cutting stones), and this is a very good size stone for this material. The stone has a "Step Round" cut, and would make for a beautiful piece of jewelry. There are some wavy and bubble inclusions, which is a good indicator that it is authentic, and not a synthetic simulant. It's a unique stone, and most collectors don't have one in their collections. Well worth the $100 start bid based upon its relative disappearance from the market.