What Does Fake Moldavite Look Like?

Introduction Moldavite, a unique green glass formed by meteorite impacts, is highly prized among collectors and enthusiasts. Due to its popularity, fake moldavite has become a concern. Identifying fake moldavite involves recognizing certain key features that differentiate genuine stones from their imitation counterparts. This guide will explore the visual and physical characteristics of fake moldavite and provide tips on how to distinguish it from authentic specimens.

1. Understanding Moldavite Moldavite is a type of tektite, which is a glassy substance formed from terrestrial impact events. These extraterrestrial events produce a unique green glass that can range from a translucent olive to a dark forest green. Real moldavite is known for its distinctive texture and color variations.

2. Characteristics of Authentic Moldavite Before diving into fake moldavite, it's important to understand what makes genuine moldavite distinct:

• Color: Authentic moldavite exhibits a range of green hues, often with an olive or forest green shade.
• Texture: It typically has a pitted or wrinkled surface due to its formation process.
• Weight: Real moldavite has a density that makes it heavier than it looks.
• Inclusions: Natural moldavite may contain tiny gas bubbles or inclusions.
• Transparency: Moldavite can be semi-transparent to opaque.

3. Common Types of Fake Moldavite There are several types of fake moldavite, each with distinct characteristics:

• Glass Imitations: These are created from green glass that is not formed by meteoritic impacts. They often lack the pitting or surface irregularities of genuine moldavite.
• Plastic Moldavite: Molded from plastic, these fakes are light and often too smooth.
• Synthetic Moldavite: Created in a lab to mimic the properties of real moldavite but often lacks the natural texture and inclusions.
• Coated or Dyed Stones: Sometimes, other stones are coated or dyed to resemble moldavite.

4. Visual Indicators of Fake Moldavite To identify fake moldavite, look for these visual signs:

• Uniformity: Genuine moldavite is rarely perfectly uniform. If a piece looks too consistent, it might be fake.
• Surface Texture: Check for pitting or surface irregularities. Fake moldavite, especially glass or plastic ones, will often have a smoother surface.
• Color Consistency: Authentic moldavite often has variations in color, whereas fakes may have a more consistent hue.
• Inclusions and Bubbles: Natural moldavite may have small inclusions or bubbles. A lack of these could indicate a fake.

5. Physical Tests If visual checks are inconclusive, consider these physical tests:

• Density Test: Real moldavite is denser than glass or plastic. Use a scale to compare weight.
• Scratch Test: Moldavite is relatively hard and should not scratch easily. Test it against a known material.
• Heat Test: Moldavite can withstand moderate heat. Fakes, particularly plastic ones, will melt or deform.

6. Professional Verification For the most accurate results, consider having the moldavite tested by a professional gemologist. They can perform advanced tests like spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction to confirm authenticity.

7. Case Studies and Examples Examining real-world cases can provide insights into how fakes are presented:

• Case 1: A seller claimed a piece of green glass was moldavite. Close examination revealed a smooth surface and uniform color, confirming it was a fake.
• Case 2: A synthetic moldavite was sold as genuine. It lacked the natural pitting and had a more consistent color and texture.

8. Conclusion Identifying fake moldavite requires a keen eye and knowledge of the material's characteristics. By understanding the differences between genuine and fake moldavite, collectors and enthusiasts can avoid being deceived. Use the visual indicators and physical tests outlined above, and when in doubt, consult with a professional.

9. References

• "Moldavite: The Green Gemstone from Space." Gemological Institute of America.
• "Identifying Fake Moldavite." National Gemstone Association.