The Complete Guide to Moldavite

The colors of Moldavite

From bottle green to the rare poison green, and even brown shades: discover what determines moldavite's color and why each hue tells its cosmic origin story.

01From Green to Brown

Moldavite's color ranges from light green to brown. The brownish hue is more noticeable in the thinner parts of the stone, or when held so that natural light passes through it. Moldavite is a fusion of extraterrestrial material with terrestrial minerals, metals, and chemicals: it is this mixture that defines its tone.

Moldavite color spectrum
The moldavite color spectrum, from light green to brown.

02The three elements that influence color

  • Iron oxide (Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺): A higher content shifts the color from light green to brown.
  • Manganese (Mn²⁺): Also, in larger quantities, it shifts the hue towards brown.
  • Nickel (Ni) and potassium oxide (K₂O): Lead to the creation of the highly sought-after "poison green" moldavite.

03Other determining factors

  • Thickness: Thicker moldavite appears darker, sometimes even black when too opaque for light to pass through; thinner pieces are usually lighter.
  • Internal inclusions: Other minerals inside can block light and alter the color.
  • Surface inclusions: A coating of clay or minerals can change its appearance. The most famous are the Moldavites of Brusna, nicknamed "snowflakes" for their white, icy look.
  • Lighting: The more light that passes through the stone, the lighter the green appears. This is why professional sellers maintain consistent lighting and also offer a backlit photo, which is useful for appreciating real color differences.

Want to understand how these characteristics also influence value? Read the 15-factor moldavite valuation guide.

Examples of Moldavite Colors

Compare the same pieces in front light and backlight: it's the best way to discern the true color of a moldavite.

Moldavite – Chlum – 0,9g - OVL099Chlum – 0.9g
Moldavite – Chlum – 0,9g - OVL099 backlitBacklitChlum – 0.9g
Moldavite – Driten – 2,8g - VL32Driten – 2.8g
Moldavite – Driten – 2,8g - VL32 backlitBacklitDriten – 2.8g
Moldavite – Nesmen – 11,2g - V1671Nesmen – 11.2g
Moldavite – Nesmen – 11,2g - V1671 backlitBacklitNesmen – 11.2g
Moldavite – Vetrna Hurka – 2,4g - OVL013Vetrna Hurka – 2.4g
Moldavite – Vetrna Hurka – 2,4g - OVL013 backlitBacklitVetrna Hurka – 2.4g
Moldavite – Brusna – 3,6g - V940Brusna – 3.6g
Moldavite – Brusna – 3,6g - V940 backlitBacklitBrusna – 3.6g
Moldavite – Brusna – 7,8g - V1325Brusna – 7.8g
Moldavite – Brusna – 7,8g - V1325 backlitBacklitBrusna – 7.8g
Moldavite – Zliv – 7,7g - V1194Zliv – 7.7g
Moldavite – Zliv – 7,7g - V1194 backlitBacklitZliv – 7.7g
Moldavite – Zliv – 11,2g - V1766Zliv – 11.2g
Moldavite – Zliv – 11,2g - V1766 backlitBacklitZliv – 11.2g
Moldavite – Bartochov – 11,1g - V2401Bartochov – 11.1g
Moldavite – Bartochov – 11,1g - V2401 backlitBacklitBartochov – 11.1g
Moldavite – Mackovice u Majovek – 5,51g - VM12Mackovice u Majovek – 5.51g
Moldavite – Mackovice u Majovek – 5,51g - VM12 backlitBacklitMackovice u Majovek – 5.51g

Continue in the guide

BasicsWhat is Moldavite → OriginWhere is Moldavite found → PriceAppraisal: 15 factors → GlossaryMoldavite Terminology →

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