Moldavite is one kind of a Tektite. The chemical formula of Tektite minerals varies but is mostly silica glass with impurities of magnesium, iron and other elements. Tektites are usually used as gemstones and as collection specimens for they may exhibit interesting microscope images when viewed with the aid of polarizing microscopes used in the field of optical mineralogy. Moldavite is most commonly found in an olive-green or dull greenish color that can be more splendidly exhibited when viewed with the aid of petrographic polarizing light microscope for mineralogists or the ones used in optical mineralogy. Moldavite was named by A. Dufrnoy from Moldauthein, Bohemia where first specimen was found. Moldavite is sometimes cut and polished as an ornamental stone. Tektites, including Moldavite are still poorly understood in the mineral world. Tektites are most commonly found as irregularly but intricately shaped nodules and blobs of a glassy substance. Tektites however have no crystal structure as observed in optical mineralogy. They are somewhat similar to obsidian but it should be noted that they are not associated with volcanic processes. The chemistry of Tektites is unique and somewhat unexplained.
Moldavites are especially prized Tektite because of its clarity and unique green color. Moldavite is sometimes cut as gemstones or put into jewelry as natural uncut pieces to show off their often eerie and beautiful intricately shaped crystals. There is a leading theory concerning their origin, the Meteorite Impact Theory. It was actually postulated that many odd events occur during a meteor’s impact because of the tremendous heat and pressure produced. Tektites may be fused glass that formed the meteor impact to the layers of rocks on the surface of the Earth. Many scientists came to believe that the odd and diverse chemistry of tektites could be a result of unique meteorites hitting unique rock types with the combinations producing particular effects.
Tektites are most commonly found black, green or colorless when viewed under polarized microscopes. When viewed in reflected light of petrographic polarizing microscope, Tektites are commonly found exhibiting vitreous to dull luster. In optical mineralogy, gemmy tektites are usually transparent to translucent in appearance. But most commonly, Tektites are nearly opaque. Tektites have no crystal form. This is so because they are amorphous. The crystal habit of Tektites as described in the field of optical mineralogy usually include small nodules or splinters that vary from simple rounded shapes to very intricate natural carvings. Many Tektites have smooth, scarred, or pitted surfaces that can be seen more clearly exhibited when mineral is viewed with the aid of polarized microscopes for mineralogists. Tektites have absent cleavage even when it is closely evaluated with the aid of petrographic polarizing microscope. Tektites usually show conchoidal fracture when viewed closely with the aid of petrographic polarizing microscope. The hardness measure of Tektites when evaluated using the Mohs scale method is usually found ranging from 5 to 6. The specific gravity measure of Tektites is approximately 2.5 grams per cubic centimeters. When rubbed on a white porcelain streak plate, tektites are most commonly found leaving a white streak. Tektites are most commonly found associated with meteorite impact craters. Moldavite notably occurs in a splash field centered around Moldavia in former Czechoslovakia. They are also believed to have come from a meteorite crater in Germany. It can be also found in Thailand and Southeast Asia, Australia and Georgia, USA. The best field indicators of Tektites usually includes color, odd shapes, localities, and lack of cleavage or crystal faces.
