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Select Czech Moldavite ~ Tektite Meteorite
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Moldavite 37 x 27 x 6mm ~ 32.0 carats * * * * These natural green meteoric, translucent gemstones are found in the Moldau Valley of the Czech republic and are named for the region w they are found. Moldavites are in the Tektite family. They are never found alone, but rather in a strewn field. Their size ranges from microscopic (.1mm) to the size of a football, weighing many kilos. Their shape can be spherical, oval, drop shaped, dumbbell, elliptical, rod-like, spiral, etc. These are all shapes found in splash patterns of liquids. Moldavites were formed about 15 million years ago when a meteor collided with the Earth with devastating force. The kinetic energy transformed into thermal energy within a fraction of a second and brought about the formation of hot liquid magma which was then catapulted back into the atmosp The dispersed mass descended again on the Earth in the form of molten drops showering over hundreds of kilometers. Due to complex geological and tectonic processes, the vast majority of the moldavite mass was destroyed by gradual erosion. Only minor deposits of the original sediments have been preserved until now. As their sculptation can be easily damaged, the stones have to be mined manually and the gravel containing moldavite carefully sorted. For this reason, moldavite is a very rare precious stone to be found only in a few localities in southern Bohemia . On the Mohs scale of hardness they rate anyw from a 6.5 to 7. Diamond is a 10 and common glass about a 5. The melting point of Moldavite is 1400 degrees, was glass is about 1100 degrees. They contain silica and various metallic oxides, including alumina, low amounts of iron oxides and potassium oxide. They have an extremely low water content. Moldavites often contain bubbles which have a rather high vacuum, equaling the air pressure at a height of around twenty kilometers. Stone Age man prized these stones as tools and later as talismans and jewels. In legend, Moldavite is associated with the fabled Stone of the Holy Grail, which was said to be an emerald that fell from the sky, out of the crown of an angel. Exposure to the Stone of the Grail was said to quicken one's spiritual evolution. * * * * SHIPPING: You pay only actual shipping cost ~ We charge no packing or handling fees. We ship every day and will combine shipping of multiple items whenever possible to reduce your costs. PAYMENT: Payment must be received within 7 days of purchase. We prefer PayPal, but also accept cashiers check or money order. IN GENERAL: We strive to provide the very best minerals and crystals available, to be accurate in our descriptions and to always communicate openly and honestly. We appreciate your making The Fool On The Hill a part of your ebay experience, we hope your visit has been pleasant and the you will come back from time to time and check out our latest finds.
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