Interesting piece of moldavite, a green glass formed by an ancient meteorite impact. The individual specimen weighs 16.3 grams and measures approximately 40 mm x 33 mm x 15 mm. Moldavites are luminous green glasses formed 14.5 million years ago by the impact of a giant meteorite that created the 15-mile wide Reis Crater in Germany. The moldavites were blasted some 200 to 400 kilometers, all the way to the modern-day Czech Republic. Mining has depleted the supply of this exquisite glass. While most impact specialists believe moldavites were created from melted terrestrial matter, they do display some characteristics associated with meteorites. Moldavites have a hardness rating of 5.5 and are often faceted for use in jewelry. When cut and polished, their deep green color is reminiscent of emeralds and peridot. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Geoff Notkin of Aerolite Meteorites Inc. and the TV show Meteorite Men, as well as a specimen identification card.
