Moldavites are also prone to glossiness. Not only can we recognize different shades of color, but also different levels of gloss. Gloss is usually uneven on the outside, but uniform inside, learn more?

While glossy moldavites are preferred by most collectors, matte ones have their charm too.

Grades of gloss in moldavites

Without gloss (velvety).

Matte

Medium

Glossy

Very glossy (glassy, shiny)

Moldavite gloss can be influenced largely by the surrounding rock. Locations with sandy gravel sediment are good for moldavites. The matte moldavites are found in clay sediments. Moldavites that have been transported long distances by rivers are also matte. They have an abrided top.

The shine of moldavite will begin to change after it has been extracted from the sediment. Moldavites slowly lose their original shine. This is especially evident in older finds. Museums often have moldavites with a tarnished exterior. The tarnished surface is caused by the presence of aggresive chemicals in the atmosphere. It is very slow, however.