Moldavite Pricing Guide For Buyers and Sellers

Here is the Moldavite pricing guide for buyers and sellers. Feel free to use this as a point of reference when valuing Moldavite.

As prices for Moldavite change, I’ll update this page with the new prices I see at the local gem and mineral shows plus I’ll be going to the Tucson Gem and Mineral show to ensure the pricing is as accurate as possible.

There are two types of Moldavite you’ll be purchasing if you choose to. The first type will be finished goods like cabochons, briolettes, and faceted stones. For the most part, this material is relatively inexpensive and sold by the piece.

The second type will be rough material. Raw Moldavite is fairly common but each piece is unique. When you look closely you’ll see etching and wave-like patterns on the outside of the stone. Once again this material is not expensive and is typically sold by the gram or by the piece.

 

 

 

How to determine Price and Cost

When determining the value of the gemstone you will be using GIA guidelines which means color, clarity, carat weight, and cut.  You’ll want to look at each one of these individually and then circle back when finished to evaluate the stone as a whole.

Color is going to be the most important factor when determining the value of gemstones.  Clarity and carat weight are tied for the second most important factor.

Before you go any further you need to ensure you have identified Moldavite correctly.

 

 

 

Color – The more intense the color the more valuable the stone is.  When dealing with warm colors, think of red and orange, you’ll want to determine if there are brown undertones.  If you can’t see brown undertones then the color should be very vibrant.  The more vibrant and saturated the color the more expensive the gemstone.  If the gemstone has a unique “neon-like glow” then it will demand the highest price per carat.

 

Clarity – Buyers and collectors prefer stones with no internal inclusions visible to the eye. To determine the clarity ranking you’ll need at a minimum a 10x loop and a higher-powered microscope to confirm internally flawless and flawless designations.

If you can visibly see the inclusion while holding the gemstone then the highest designation would be SI1 and if the inclusion detracts from the overall beauty of the stone then the clarity designation would be I1 – I3.

Clarity designations – FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, I3

 

 

Carat – Moldavite can be found in sizes ranging from below 1 carat to above 50 carats or more.  Generally speaking, Moldavite can be sourced in most carat weights. The larger specimens will not bring more money per carat.

 

Cut – It is sad to say but cut has the least impact on value and cost unless it affects the stone in an extreme way.  For example, when you look at the stone you would be able to see through it which means light is not being reflected back to the eye.  This is called a window in the stone and it would have to be quite large to impact the price.  The other extreme would occur when you look at a stone and see a rough circle or oval shape inside the stone.  This occurs when the stone is very shallow and it’s reflecting the rough girdle inside the stone.  Note: the girdle is the edge/side of the stone where the pavilion and crown meet.

 

 

 

Moldavite Prices

The price for Moldavite is fairly stable because the material is readily available. I’ve broken down pricing for finished stones and specimens. As always use these price ranges and descriptions as references but make sure you do a little negotiating.

 

Faceted Moldavite price per carat $8.00 – $50.00

• Rough material only
• More than likely you will buy in bulk
• All colors

 

 

 

Moldavite specimen prices per gram $2.50 – $5.00

• Specimens
• Single stones with good clarity
• Light green, not too dark

 

 

 

Moldavite rough prices $5.00 – $500.00

• Most of this material will be in a bin or tub
• Sold by the gram
• Mostly dark with little to no etching
• Almost look like they’re tumbled

 

How Valuable is Moldavite?

Moldavite is glass, which means the value isn’t going anywhere very quickly. Sure you’ll find some really cool pieces but that doesn’t mean they will demand a high price. If you’re looking to add Moldavite to your collection then I’d be patient and find one that piques your interest.

 

The cost of Moldavite will not increase over time

Moldavite pricing won’t be increasing anytime soon. If you’re looking to invest money into gemstones then Moldavite shouldn’t be on your list.

If you’re not sure how to value a gemstone then you should consider a gemstone appraisal. Individuals acquiring gemstones through inheritance, estate sales, and auctions typically have the gemstone appraised to determine the value and to ensure the gem is what they think it is.