Moldavite is a green tektite. A tektite is an impact glass, created due to the impact of a meteorite with the earth's crust. It is believed that the meteorite that created the Ries Kessel (a massive 15 mile diameter crater), 120 miles away in Germany "splashed," hot material into the atmosphere that cooled as it fell back to Earth. This impact material, landed across a relatively small (10 to 15 square mile) area in the current Czech Republic. This impact event is dated around 15 million years ago. Moldavite miners must dig holes to access this old layer in which the Moldavite is found. Moldavite is typically quite small, with the largest pieces generally available, weighing between 30 to 50 grams (up to 6-7 cm long).

This original piece was carved by Donald Stevens, an american carver based in Bangkok. It weighs 15.7 grams, (78 carats) which means the original piece was probably well over 30 grams. The color is spot-on leafy green and gemmy. The detail work is fantastic with all the bumps of the toad. I was captivated by the quality, and the rarity of the material.

Moldavite carving