Understanding Real Moldavite Characteristics

Real moldavite is a natural glass formed by a meteorite impact. It is only found in the southern part of the Czech Republic. The stone has a very specific forest green or olive color. It should never look like a bright, neon emerald. Real stones are rarely perfectly clear when held to the light.

The texture of a real stone is its most famous feature. Experts call this "sculpting" or pitting. It looks like a wrinkled or weathered surface. This happens because the stone spent millions of years in the ground. Water and chemicals etched the surface over time.

Inside the stone, you should see tiny needle-like inclusions. These are called lechatelierite. They look like small, wavy glass "worms." You will also see small bubbles. In real moldavite, these bubbles are usually oval or elongated. Perfectly round bubbles are a sign of man-made glass.

How to Spot Fake Moldavite in Czech Republic

Follow these steps to ensure your purchase is genuine. Take your time with each piece. Most reputable shops in Český Krumlov will allow you to inspect the stone closely. If a seller rushes you, it is a bad sign.

1. Examine the surface texture: Look for a matte, pitted, or wrinkled surface. Real stones are never perfectly smooth or shiny like a marble. Time: 2 minutes. Cost: Free. Location: Any shop. Common mistake: Thinking a smooth, polished surface is a sign of high quality.
2. Check the color in natural light: Hold the stone up to the sun or a bright lamp. It should be a mossy or bottle green. Time: 1 minute. Cost: Free. Location: Window or bright light. Common mistake: Buying stones that look bright neon or yellowish-green.
3. Look for internal inclusions: Use a magnifying glass to find lechatelierite worms and elongated bubbles. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Location: Under a jeweler's loupe. Common mistake: Ignoring perfectly round bubbles which indicate fake glass.
4. Verify the paperwork: Ask for a certificate of origin from a recognized laboratory. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Location: Sales counter. Common mistake: Trusting a handwritten note or a simple photocopy without an official stamp.

Where to Shop Safely in Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is a beautiful UNESCO town with many shops. However, some stores in the main tourist path sell fakes. To find the best gems, you must know where to buy real moldavite in cesky krumlov safely. Always check the official Český Krumlov Official Tourism portal for recommended local businesses.

If you want a guaranteed authentic experience, visit the Moldavite Museum. They have a small shop with high-quality, verified pieces. If you want silver jewelry, look for the Granát Turnov logo. This company is the most famous producer of traditional Czech gemstone jewelry.

Use this simple decision guide to find the right shop for your needs:

• If you want a raw collector's piece: Visit the Moldavite Museum shop.
• If you want high-quality jewelry: Look for authorized Granát Turnov dealers.
• If the stone looks like a bright green candy: Do not buy it; it is likely glass.

Avoiding Common Scams and Traps

Scammers often target tourists who do not know how to spot fake moldavite in Czech Republic. One common trick is selling "African Moldavite." Moldavite only comes from the Czech Republic. Any stone labeled from Africa or China is a fake. You can check moldavite museum cesky krumlov ticket prices to see authentic examples before you shop.

Another trap is the price. Real moldavite is expensive because it is rare. If you see a large, 10-gram stone for $20, it is fake. Expect to pay significantly more for genuine, high-quality specimens in 2026. Here are some common problems to watch for:

• The price is too low for the size of the stone.
• The seller has dozens of pieces that look exactly the same.
• The stone feels oily or like plastic to the touch.
• The "certificate" has no contact information for the issuer.
• The shop is a temporary stall rather than a permanent store.
• The seller refuses to let you use a magnifying glass.
• The stone is a very bright, translucent emerald green.

Essential Checklist Before Buying

Preparation is key to a successful purchase. Before you head into the shops of the historic center, make sure you have the right tools. You can find more advice on Visit Czechia for general shopping tips. Having a plan will prevent you from making an impulsive, expensive mistake.

• Jeweler's loupe: A 10x magnification glass is essential for seeing inclusions.
• Flashlight: A small LED light helps you see through darker stones.
• Reference photos: Keep photos of raw, real moldavite on your phone.
• Cash (CZK): Some smaller, authentic shops prefer Czech Koruna.
• Shop list: Have a list of certified dealers ready before you start walking.