Have you wondered what goes into pricing and grading a Moldavite?
There are 15 factors which are covered below. Knowing the right information can help you when buying and understanding Moldavite.
How different factors impact the price of Moldavite to different degrees
There are a number of factors which influence the pricing of a Moldavite. To keep it simple, we have used symbols to show the potential impact on price. The main impact on pricing is the rarity of certain localities, features and sizes. If you need to understand more about some of the terminology used, see the guides linked at the bottom of the page-Shapes of Moldavite, Terminology of Moldavite, Moldavite Snowflakes.
Symbols
– % negative impact on price
0% no impact on price
+% positive impact on price
If there are multiple negative signs ( – %) or positive signs ( +%) this means that factor plays a larger importance in influencing the pricing and grading of Moldavite.
– – % – medium negative impact on pricing
– % – low negative impact on pricing
+ % – low positive impact on pricing
+ + % – medium positive impact on pricing
+ + + (+ +) % – high (or even more) positive impact on pricing
What about the grades of Moldavite?
There are many different terms used to describe grades of Moldavite and they are sometimes inaccurate as they are based on personal preferences (e.g. lighter colour Moldavite looks nicer). There are many factors which impact pricing and understanding rarity.
You can read more about the grades of Moldavite here www.stonesoftransformation.com.au/guide-on-the-grades-of-moldavite
Table of factors and their impact on the pricing and grading of Moldavite
| Weight | Weight | Shape | Locality | Damage | Features | Colour | |||||||||
| Weight (grams) | Price by weight | Fragment shape | Primary shape (e.g. tear drop, disk) | Dumbbell shape (rarest shape) | Unique shape (e.g. animal, heart) | Common locality (e.g. Chlum) | Rare locality (e.g. Besednice, Nesmen) | Chip / abrasion | Broken | Angel chime | Hedgehog or other outstanding surface sculpting | Large visible closed bubbles (e.g. >1cm) | Regular (e.g. bottle green) | Unusual and rare (e.g. snowflake) | Bi-Colour |
| 1-10 | 0% | 0% | 0 to +% | ++% | +% | 0% | + to +++% | – % | – – % | +% | + to ++% | +% | 0% | +% | +% |
| 10-20 | 0% | 0% | 0 to +% | ++% | +% | 0% | + to +++% | – % | – – % | +% | + to ++% | +% | 0% | +% | +% |
| 20-30 | +% | 0% | + to ++% | +++% | +% | 0% | + to +++% | – % | – – % | +% | + to ++% | + to ++% | 0% | +% | + to ++% |
| 30-40 | ++% | 0% | + to ++% | +++% | +% | 0% | + to +++% | – % | – – % | +% | + to ++% | + to ++% | 0% | +% | + to ++% |
| 40-50 | +++% | 0% | + to ++% | +++% | +% | 0% | + to +++% | – % | – – % | +% | + to ++% | + to ++% | 0% | +% | + to ++% |
| 50-60 | ++++% | 0% | + to ++% | +++% | +% | 0% | + to +++% | – % | – – % | +% | + to ++% | + to ++% | 0% | +% | + to ++% |
| 60-70 | +++++% | 0% | + to ++% | +++% | +% | 0% | + to +++% | – % | – – % | +% | + to ++% | + to ++% | 0% | +% | + to ++% |
| 70-80+ | ++++++% | 0% | + to ++% | +++% | +% | 0% | + to +++% | – % | – – % | +% | + to ++% | + to ++% | 0% | +% | + to ++% |
Examples of how pricing works:
Example with a 15 gram piece of Moldavite
The typical piece: A 15 gram piece of Moldavite which is a fragment shape, from a common location like Chlum and is a regular colour. This will sell for the normal market rate.
A damaged piece: A 15 gram piece of Moldavite which is a fragment, from a common location like Chlum, is a regular colour but has some damage with visible larger chips/nicks. This may sell at a slight discount.
A primary form shape: A 15 gram piece of Moldavite which is a beautiful tear drop shape, from a common location like Chlum and is a regular colour. This may sell for a premium.
A rare primary form shape: A 15 gram piece of Moldavite which is a perfect dumbbell, from a common location like Chlum and is a regular colour. This may sell for a large premium.
A rare locality: 15 gram piece of Moldavite which is a fragment, from a rare location like Besednice, in perfect condition and is a regular colour. This may sell for a large premium.
A rare locality with primary form: 15 gram piece of Moldavite which is a beautiful tear drop shape, from a rare location like Besednice, in perfect condition and is a regular colour. This may sell for a huge premium.
Did you know? At least 98% of the Moldavite in the market will be under the first two categories; a typical piece and with some slightly damaged pieces usually from mining.
Want more useful information?
See the guides:
Guide to Genuine and Fake Moldavite: www.stonesoftransformation.com.au/blog/fake-moldavite-guide/
The Best Guide on Spotting and Avoiding Fake Moldavite: www.stonesoftransformation.com.au/the-best-guide-on-spotting-and-avoiding-fake-moldavite/
Shapes of Moldavite: www.stonesoftransformation.com.au/blog/guide-to-the-shapes-of-moldavite/
Busting myths of Moldavite: www.stonesoftransformation.com.au/busting-some-myths-of-moldavite/
Other useful guides and blog posts: www.stonesoftransformation.com.au/blog/list-of-useful-posts/
Follow our Facebook page for updates on great information: www.facebook.com/StonesofTransformationMoldaviteStore
Customer reviews: www.stonesoftransformation.com.au/reviews/
Shop and sale page: www.stonesoftransformation.com.au/shop/
No matter what Moldavite you have or the price you paid. It is worthy of love!
