If you’ve ever wanted to buy moldavite, you may have noticed the wide price range. So what exactly influences the price of moldavites?
Let’s go through the different parameters. Of course, we will assume that this is a genuine Moldavite. We will not discuss the fact that some sellers want to profit from the interest in Moldavites and sell them at absurdly high prices. And for the start, it’s probably best if we talk about how we actually get to the target price.
If you are comparing prices from different sellers, you also need to keep in mind that postage may be included in the price.
How to calculate the final price of the moldavite
- Determine the price for 1 gram of the moldavite
(You will find out what influences it in the following chapter) - Resulting price = price per gram * weight in grams
Example
- I have a nice undamaged moldavite that weighs 6g.
- I determine the price per gram, which is influenced by the parameters of moldavites and the market situation, at 30 USD per gram.
- Final price is 6 * 30 = 180 USD.
Parameters of moldavites that affect the price
Weight
Size in a figurative sense.
One of the most important factors affecting the price of moldavite is its weight. Larger and heavier moldavites tend to be more expensive due to their rarity. These large gems are more difficult to come across in nature and are therefore highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
The weight of moldavites is most often given in grams [g] or carats [ct]. 1g = 5ct.
There are several ranges that affect the price of a 1 gram moldavite.
- 0 – 3g
- 3 – 10g
- 10 – 20g
- 20 – 30g
- etc.
Anyway, moldavites weighing over 50g are very rare. And the price per gram for them is skyrocketing. Even 20g moldavites are quite rare. They are already 50 to 100% more expensive than small moldavites (meaning per 1 gram of moldavite).
How do moldavites prices fluctuate based on their weight?
It’s hard to give exact numbers. The price changes over time. A Moldavite that cost USD 200 ten years ago can now cost USD 300 or even USD 400.
So just to give you an idea of how the price per gram changes with weight. It is for normal undamaged moldavite (quality A)
| Weight range [g] | Price per 1g [USD] |
|---|---|
| 0 – 3 | 23 |
| 3 – 10 | 25 |
| 10 – 20 | 29 |
| 20 – 30 | 36 |
| etc. |
Buy moldavite by weight range
- Weight 0 – 5 g (small to medium)
- 5 – 10 g (medium)
- 10g+ (big moldavites)
- Large moldavites – 20g and above
Quality
The quality of moldavite plays a key role in determining its value. Moldavites with well-defined and complex surface features such as intricate texture or distinctive sculpture are generally considered more valuable. These features not only enhance the esthetic impression of the moldavite, but also show how the moldavite in sediment has evolved.
The surface appearance and condition of the moldavite can also affect the quality.
Unfortunately, there is no standardised classification of quality of moldavites.
Quality rating of moldavites that we use on NaturalMoldavites.com
| Quality | Description | Effect on price per gram (coefficient -for illustration only) |
Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | Usually pieces without texture with abrasion. They may be damaged, | 0.8 | Moldavites – quality B |
| A- | Moldavites with faint sculpture | 0.9 | Moldavites – quality A- |
| A | Standard quality | 0 | Moldavites – quality A |
| A+ | more distinctive texture | 1.3 | Moldavites – quality A+ |
| A+/++ | 1.6 | Moldavites – quality A+/++ | |
| A++ | High quality moldavites | 1.9 | Moldavites – quality A++ |
| A++/+++ | Very high quality | 2.3 | Moldavites – quality A++/+++ |
| A+++ | Moldavites with a very distinctive texture. Often these are investment moldavites. | 3 and more | Moldavites – quality A+++ |
Examples of moldavites with different quality
Condition
To express the level of moldavite damage, we use the following for NaturalMoldavites.com.
- Undamaged
- Slightly chipped
- Chipped
- Partially damaged
- Damaged
Damage obviously has a negative effect on the price. In addition to chipping, the surface of moldavite can also be damaged by abrasion.
Damage to moldavite usually occurs during mining. However, it can also be caused by improper storage and transport (mainly surface abrasion and minor chipping). So if you are buying moldavite from a reseller, there is a greater risk that the surface will be damaged – unless there was a wholesale shipment where the moldavites were poorly packaged.
Shape
The shapes of moldavites are divided into three categories:
Primary shapes
The original shapes that formed during the formation of moldavites after a meteorite impact. Drops (droplets, tears), ellipsoids and disks, spheres, dumbbells.
Only a few percent of them have survived. That’s why they are rare and expensive. The most expensive are the dumbbells. For these shapes, the effect on the price per gram is very high.
Parts of primary shapes
These are natural parts of primary shapes. They were mostly formed after the impact of moldavite on the ground during their formation. Some of it may also have broken up in the sediments. They show the original shape.
For example:
These moldavites shapes are no longer as expensive as moldavites with the primary shape.
Fragments
These are moldavites that broke into pieces when they hit the ground, from which their original shape is no longer visible. They are the most common and do not affect the price.
Rare shapes
There are also moldavites that have a very unusual shape or are variously deformed. These collector’s pieces are of course more expensive. Some very rarer pieces are 20 times more expensive than a regular moldavite of the same size.
The ultimate overview of shapes with many examples can be found here.
Deposit
The only deposit that affects the price of moldavite directly is Besednice. Moldavites from this locality have a very distinctive texture. The second reason is that this locality was mined out years ago – no more Besednice hedgehogs (as they are nicknamed) will be found. This is the reason why moldavites from Besednice are very expensive. Unfortunately, sometimes moldavites from elsewhere are passed off as Besednice moldavites (often they don’t even look like that – just a scam of some sellers). See which moldavites from Besednice we offer.
Other deposits affect the price indirectly. Some characteristics of moldavites are typical of some deposits (like ugly appearance or vice versa 🙂
Color
- Pale green – quite rare, more expensive
- Light green – common price
- Bottle green – common price
- Olive green – common price
- Brownish – common, sometimes lower price
- Brown – sometimes cheaper, sometimes more expensive – not so common
- Poison green – rare – more expensive
Generally moldavites with intense and distinct green color are more expensive.
Rare features
As you can guess, a rare feature increases the price per gram.
For example:
- Visible closed bubble
- Visible needle of lechatelierite
- Angel chime moldavites
- The above mentioned shape and color
- (visible fluidal texture)
- (bubble impression)
- (channel)
- etc.
Certification
Certification and authentication are essential to determine the origin and authenticity of moldavite samples. Certified moldavites from reputable sources are often valued more highly due to the certainty of their true origin.
Market trends and demand
Market trends and consumer demand can fluctuate, affecting the price of moldavites. High demand and limited supply can lead to price increases. In addition, factors such as cultural or spiritual significance can influence the perceived value of moldavites in certain communities.
In general, the price of moldavites is practically only increasing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the price of moldavites is influenced by a combination of several factors including weight (size), quality, condition, locality, shape and other characteristics.
Each moldavite specimen is a unique piece of cosmic history and its value is a reflection of its individual characteristics.
Whether you are a collector, a spiritual seeker, or simply drawn to the cosmic allure of moldavites, understanding these factors will help you appreciate the true value of these captivating gems. Happy hunting for your own piece of stardust!
…check our moldavites and jewelry with moldavites
