Re: [meteorite-list] African Moldavite

[mafer]

Hi Norm and List I went on a hunt after I posted my question which was, to say the least, my thinking out and not adding up the evidence. I also found many sources for this "African Moldavite" with prices that rival real moldavites. What this does come under is the gemstone and jewelry laws. African Moldavite is not a trade name, but a conjured name. It can only be a trade name if it is created to mimic something else like cz is (diamondell and other such trade names). This material, without closer examination appears to be a glass from the chemical description one site refers to. As to the volcanic in origin, maybe, it reminds me of olivine in the one pick of a "rough" piece. As for water worn, well, if its from a rough piece that the "locals carefully trim to expose the prize material", then its sold as water worn, I have to wonder where the tumbler got into the picture to smooth it over and why isn't it mentioned?. I realize this is off subject, but it also points out the extent that some will go to in order to scam the unwitting public (especially those involved in reiki, metaphysics and so on), on something they apparently don't know the laws governing, in order to make such a small amount of money compared to the fines/prison time and lawsuits they can face. Its hard enough in this day and age to remove material with the permission of the local gov (especially meteorites), much less doing so and doing it with the intent to deceive. I apologize to the list for causing such a uproar, but thanks for helping me get my thinking correct on things. Mark     ----- Original Message ----- From: N Lehrman To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 10:11 AM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] African Moldavite Mark/List,   Second try---I responded earlier to mark, but failed to get the message out to the whole list.  From Mark's subsequent messages, it appears that the sellers are being a bit more open, but still not so on eBay.  Buyer beware!   I have corresponded with the folks selling faceted "Tanzanian tektites" on eBay.  There is not a shred of solid evidence that their material is what they claim.  They found some peculiar emerald green material in river alluvium, saw moldavites in some gemstone book and got the idea.  Some college prof (virtually none of whom ever have any training in tektites---) told them they might be tektites.   I have begged the sellers to at least qualify their claims with an appropriate expression of uncertainty.  I see nothing dishonest about letting people gamble on uncertain material so long as they know they are gambling.  At this point there is still no solid evidence that the material is not what they claim (other than the obvious fact that the term "Moldavite" is wrong in any case).  If they should happen to be right, the specimens could be very valuable.  However, with no solid data one way or the other, the odds are strongly against them.  The only assured tektites from the entire African continent are the hundred or so specimens from the Ivory Coast (which are jet black like Indochinites).  If I thought there was any good reason to hope that this material might be real, I would be first to bid!  I haven't.   Since the sellers have refused to add these suggested qualifiers to their eBay listings, I can only conclude that they are now making a conscious choice to be dishonest (or less than honest), which tells you something.    Cheers, Merry Solstice and a Happy New Orbit to all!   Norm Lehrman (TektiteSource.com) ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, December 07, 2002 7:25 PM Subject: [meteorite-list] African Moldavite Hi Folks   I'm wondering if any of you seasoned and knowledgable people know anything about African Moldavite? Thanks Mark