Are Moldavite and Malachite the Same? A Detailed Comparison

Moldavite and Malachite are two of the most commonly mentioned gemstones, and both have exciting uses and histories. To help you understand these two different stones better, we have brought to you a detailed comparative guide.

Moldavite and Malachite: What are They?

What is Moldavite Crystal?

Moldavite is a natural glass formed about 15 million years ago after the eruption. The impact has come from an asteroid that split in two before the collision, causing the Ries and Steinheim craters in southeastern Germany.

The speed of these effects causes the liquid rock to be thrown into the atmosphere, where it hardens before atoms form into a mineral structure. Therefore, Moldavite is a mineraloid rather than a mineral because it has no crystalline structure but occurs naturally.

The Moldavite formed from these effects has spread to a large area covering the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany. In the millions of years since creating the moldavite field, much of it has been eroded or buried.

It makes it very rare and can be present in only a few places. Moldavite is currently most abundant in the Czech Republic, with 275 tons of Moldavite distributed worldwide.

Moldavite fragments are rated based on their appearance in three grades. Average grade moldavite is usually black and filled with a green color. High-quality Moldavite usually exhibits a fern-like pattern and is much lighter than regular pieces.

The average level falls between these two distances and usually indicates features that make it a lower distance than the top, such as pitting or weather. Moldavite is available in various shades of green, from yellowish-green to green.

What is the Historical Significance of Moldavite?

Because of its color and availability, it is often sought after by artists and collectors alike. Moldavite has been mined since the mid-1800s. However, many collectors appreciate it because of its foreign origins.

Moldavite is also strong, measuring between 5.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs hardness scale. It means that Moldavite can scratch the glass, and in some cases, the glass can scratch the Moldavite.

Although Moldavite may not be considered dangerous, Moldavite still contains toxic substances that people should not eat. You can learn about the benefits of Moldavite here.

What is Fake Moldavite? 

Due to Moldavite’s origin, some manufacturers have created fake Moldavite since the accurate material is rare.

Unfortunately, this undisclosed flood of fake Moldavite has made its way onto the market. To more easily identify true Moldavite, you should look for gas bubbles trapped below the surface and flow structures that are often visible to the naked eye or with magnification.

Additionally, real Moldavite has a low index of refraction between 1.47 and 1.51, which is much lower than artificial glass and many other minerals.

What is Malachite Crystal?

Malachite is a mineral of copper carbonate hydroxide raw and was the first to be used to produce copper ore. Although no longer used in copper production, it is still widely used as a gemstone. The formation of Malachite takes place at shallow depths above the copper deposit at the oxidation site.

It usually appears to be formed in limestone due to its favorable location for the formation of carbonate minerals. Malachite formations often appear as stalactites or botryoidal coatings near underground holes and cracks.

The color malachite is one thing that makes you stand out in particular. Its color can range from light pale green to bright green, almost black, and even dark green. Malachite can show a binding similar to that seen in agate when cut.

These patterns are usually opaque and reflect dim light. As well as malachite in this form, malachite crystals can also be present, although infrequent. These crystals are usually light green with vitreous or adamantine luster. Malachite is a soft mineral with only 3.5 to 4.0 on the Mohs hardness scale. Because it is soft, you can easily ground it into powder.

Combined with its rich green color that resists fading, it is easy to see why it has been a famous color agent for centuries. Malachite deposits were discovered in Egypt and Israel about 4,000 years ago.

People used these coins to produce copper at that time and some jewelry. There is also evidence of extensive malachite mines in the Great Orme Mines in Britain dating back about 3,800 years ago.

It shows how vital Malachite was in history. The Ural mountains of Russia once contained large deposits of malachite, which were mined in significant quantities. Russia continued to be a significant producer of Malachite in the mid-1800s. Currently, the largest producer of malachite is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although Australia, France, and Arizona have significant deposits as well.

It is essential to be careful when handling malachite as it can be brittle well, sensitive to heat, and affected by weak acids.

What is the Historical significance of Malachite?

Malachite has a significant history dating back thousands of years. The people of ancient Egypt used malachite to make copper, once again associating color with death and new life. They even referred to their version of life after death as ‘Malachite Stadium.’

In the Middle Ages, malachite was also worn as a sun sculpture to help promote good health. Seventeenth-century Spaniards also believed that children should wear malachite jewelry to help them fall asleep and avoid mischief.

Malachite has repeatedly emerged as a helpful mineral and a metaphysical icon throughout history. You can learn about the benefits of Malachite here.

How to detect fake Malachite?

Malachite has the undesirable distinction of being highly desired and visually easy to copy. Because the price is high, it is logical to anticipate discovering counterfeit items on the market. However, most forgeries are of inferior quality and will only catch up with novices. There are two kinds of imitation malachite: resin-made and “reconstituted” malachite.

If you already have your sample, you may test it quickly: Using a burner or lighter and a pair of pliers, heat a pin. Place the needle on a section of the stone that is not visible. If the hot needle gets into the stone, emits smoke, creates an odor, or reacts somehow, the stone is fake. This test will catch both types of fraud without any severe issues.

It takes a little more finesse to tell just from the pictures. Generally, faux malachites will have immaculate patterns and bright colors. Natural Malachite is usually dark and has some blurring between the borders of the different color layers.

The cost is enormous. I have not seen fake Malachite sold at average malachite prices. It is almost always cheaper than real Malachite. The name recognition and easily recognizable coloring make it a goldmine for scammers targeting beginners, but most collectors treat malachite carefully enough to avoid bad buys.

Moldavite and Malachite: Similarities and Differences

Moldavite and Malachite: Similarities 

Although both Moldavite and Malachite are technically stone, the market usually imitates them. There isn’t much more in common between these two; mixing the stones up is more a matter of misremembered name than a lousy identity.

With this in mind, even fakes are made entirely different and require different methods to identify them.

Moldavite and Malachite: Differences 

Moldavite and Malachite differ a lot when it comes to their composition. For instance, malachite is usually softer than Moldavite.

Malachite also has a very dark glow and will show an agate-like band. Moldavite does not have a belt and instead will look as bright again as glass. While Moldavite can go into the water, malachite should not be immersed in water as the copper in malachite reacts with water to form toxic fumes.

Moldavite and Malachite: Cleaning

Cleaning Moldavite Stones

One of the most crucial stages in integrating any crystal into your life is to have it cleaned, charged, and ready to use. It is an essential step since you don’t know where your diamond came from or what energy it picked up along the journey. A quick cleansing and charge will clear the slate and prepare it ideal for you. 

Hold your Moldavite under seawater or spring water for several seconds to let all that energy escape. You may use tap water, but any water source in a natural setting will undoubtedly be more potent. Or you can even clean Moldavite under the moonlight.

Moldavite is born from the universe beyond our sky. Therefore, it responds brilliantly to slants of delicate moonlight and the tambourine of the stars. Put your Moldavite on a windowsill at night, or plant it in the ground beneath a full moon and let it there till morning.

Cleaning Malachite Stones

All healing gemstones, especially Malachite, like being cleansed and refreshed because tending to those bad vibrations may be exhausting. Keeping your Malachite cleaned is easy, effective, and guarantees that it remains at the peak of its strength. 

Warm soapy water and a gentle cloth can help in removing the residues. Wash your Malachite every few weeks or after a particularly stressful day or week, if necessary. Keeping it cleaned will maintain the stone content and the vibrations high.

If you believe your Malachite stone may benefit from a recharge, there are several options. Malachite adores nature and seeks the earth’s kiss from time to time. Please place it in the garden, behind a tree, or even bury it to absorb Mother Nature’s soul for a night. 

If you wish to keep it clean, you may set it with some geode crystal clusters to boost its energy or leave it in the sun or moonlight for a few hours. If you keep it in the sun for an extended period, the beautiful colors may fade. Never use salt on your Malachite stone since it will harm the beautiful smoothness.

Conclusion

Between Malachite’s enduring place in history and Moldavite’s violent extraterrestrial origins, these two stones are some of the most interesting to add to your collection.

Although both Moldavite and Malachite have impressive green colors, they are two very different stones, and by learning these differences, you can start to identify them more easily.