Moldavite is classified as a member of the Tektite family. Tektites are a type of natural glass formed by the high temperature and pressure that occurs when meteorites collide with the earth. Moldavite was formed by the impact of an intense meteorite shower between 15-20 million years ago. The surrounding material was catapulted back into the atmosphere and then fell back to earth, scattering within a narrow belt of hundreds of kilometers. The friction of atmosphere against the cooling rock created the surface sculpture that is unique to Moldavite.