The Different Aspects of Moldavite
Why can two authentic moldavites look so different? The answer lies in their locality. Each field in the Czech Republic gives the stone unique color, sculpture, and luster — to the point that sometimes a genuine specimen is mistaken for a fake.
01What changes the appearance of Moldavite
There are many different-sized retrieval fields in the Czech Republic. Many were too small for commercial extraction but yielded moldavites with an unusual appearance. People are mostly familiar with the more famous or productive locations — such as Besednice, Zatáčka, and Chlum — but Besednice and Zatáčka are now depleted, and most moldavite comes from Chlum.
Precisely for this reason, a moldavite from a field with an unusual appearance can sometimes be mistaken for a fake. The appearance varies greatly from one location to another due to several factors:
- The surrounding sediments (clay, sand, gravel)
- The alkaline or acidic conditions of the sediments
- The amount of water in the soil
- The depth at which it was found
- The different proportions of minerals and metals fused during formation
- The degree of erosion and abrasion
As a result, moldavite from different locations shows: different shades of green, different surface sculpture, variable luster (shiny, matte, velvety), different inclusions, and varying degrees of transparency. For individual terms, see the terminology guide; for color, the colors of moldavite.
02Game: Guess the Locality
Each card below shows the typical pattern of a different locality. The name is hidden: observe the color, sculpture, and surface, try to guess where it comes from... then click on the card to discover the locality and what makes it special.
Kvítkovice
One of several localities in Southern Bohemia: like every field, it imparts its own combination of color, sculpture, and luster to the moldavite.
Other Localities
Many small localities, often too limited for commercial extraction, offer moldavites with less common and therefore intriguing appearances.
Jankov
A historic field in Southern Bohemia, with specimens featuring textures and hues characteristic of the area.
Moravia
Moravian moldavite (not Bohemian): often distinguished by different hues and surfaces compared to Bohemian specimens.
Maly Chlum
Near Chlum, with similar characteristics: it is one of the most widespread localities with a recognizable appearance.
Brusna
Known for 'snowflake' moldavites: a whitish, frosted surface due to corrosion from alkaline sediments.
Koroseky
Locality in Southern Bohemia: each field gives the moldavite its own unique sculpture and luster.
Jakule
A field in Southern Bohemia, with specimens featuring typical surface characteristics of the area.
Slavce
A field near České Budějovice (Slavče): produces specimens with their own distinct texture and color.
Kosov
One of the less common localities: like every field, it gives the moldavite a distinctive appearance.
Besednice
Perhaps the most famous locality. Noted for its 'hedgehog' sculpture, with deep, sharp spikes. Now a depleted mine: highly sought after.
Besednice – Jezkovna
A field within the Besednice area (Ježkovna), also known for the deep, spiky sculptures typical of the region.
Zliv
A locality in Southern Bohemia, with specimens featuring texture and shades characteristic of the field.
Pariz
A field with a curious name: one of the many localities that enrich the variety of appearances of Bohemian moldavite.
Krasejovka
A historic locality in Southern Bohemia, with carvings and colors typical of the area.
Dolni Chrastany
A field in Southern Bohemia (Dolní Chrášťany), with surface characteristics typical of the area.
Nova Hospoda
A locality in the Vrábče area: like every field, it gives moldavite a distinctive appearance.
Dobrkovska Lhotka
Along with nearby Zatáčka, this area is known for specimens with a particularly dark green color.
Locenice
A field in Southern Bohemia (Ločenice), with textures and shades characteristic of the area.
Nechov
A locality in Southern Bohemia, with specimens featuring characteristic carvings and luster.
Olesnice
A field in Southern Bohemia (Olešnice), with a distinctive appearance due to local sediments and erosion.
Chlum nad Malsi
Most of the moldavite on the market comes from here: it's the 'classic' look most people are accustomed to.
Vetrna Hurka
A historic locality in Southern Bohemia, valued for specimens with a beautiful shade of green.
Vrabce
Vrábče area (which includes the locality of Nová Hospoda): a historic field in Southern Bohemia.
Marouskovo pole
A field in Southern Bohemia, with specimens featuring surface characteristics typical of the area.
Nesmen
A rare locality: specimens are less common and thus particularly prized by collectors.
03Four questions to ask yourself
- Which aspect of moldavite is most familiar to you?
- Which one seems most unusual to you?
- Would you have mistaken any for another mineral or a fake?
- With which aspect do you feel the most connection?
Knowing these differences is the best way not to confuse an authentic moldavite with an imitation: learn more about how to recognize authentic moldavite and where it is found.
Continue in the guide
Find your favorite locality
We always indicate the locality of each specimen. Explore our raw, authentic, and certified moldavite, from Besednice to Chlum and beyond.
Explore raw moldavite Glossary of Localities