Purple Quartz (var: Chalcedony / Agate) ("Grape" Agate)

Item Description

During the latter half of 2016, we started seeing these unique and interesting specimens coming out of Indonesia with labels varying from "Chalcedony to "Agate to Quartz and "Amethyst ". Some people have turned to using the phrase "Grape Agate or "Grape Chalcedony due to the purple color and the fact that they have formed in groups that look like bunches of grapes. There are probably 100 terms to describe cryptocrystalline / drusy / massive uncrystallized Quartz, so it 's fair to say they 're Quartz and go from there. We were able to pick up some pieces direct from the source, and we're happy to have specimens to place in the auctions for all you Quartz collectors out there. It should be noted that with a lot of new discoveries, it 's hard to say how much more will be available, and in what quality. Often the best material tends to find its way to the market first, and is typically the least expensive. With regard to these specimens, the biggest problem we 've found with a lot of them can be dull (poor luster) with a grey color, and unpleasant overall presentation. THIS piece however has a beautiful purple hue in the center, with more of a lavender tone on the outer areas. Keep in mind that purple is not a common color for mineral specimens. If you take away Amethyst, suddenly there are only a few species that form in collector quality, well-crystallized examples (e.g., Spinel, Scapolite, Spodumene, Zoisite). This piece is filled with beautiful botryoidal, semi-resinous, translucent to gemmy "balls" or oblong shaped spheroids measuring up to 5 mm. The piece does live up to its nickname as it does resemble a bunch of grapes. The piece is beautifully crystallized on the display side. A bit of green Celadonite is included in the spheres making for a lovely two-tone color contrast. Great shape overall, and a wonderful opportunity to pick up a piece of this exciting new and unique material.