Purple Quartz (var: Chalcedony / Agate) ("Grape" Chalcedony / 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, with more of a greenish tone (from Celadonite inclusions) 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, Fluorite, Scapolite, Spodumene, Zoisite). This piece is filled with beautiful botryoidal, translucent "balls" or spheroids measuring up to a few mm. The piece does live up to its nickname as it does resemble a bunch of grapes. The piece is crystallized on all sides and only has one real contact on the edge where it was detached from the matrix. Great shape overall, and a wonderful opportunity to pick up a piece of this exciting new and unique material.