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Grape Agate from Manakarra, Mamuju, West Sulawesi, Indonesia, 103.6g

Regular price $65.00

Quartz var. Grape Agate / Grape Chalcedony from Manakarra area, Mamuju District, West Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Grape Agate, also known as Grape Chalcedony, is not an agate but instead a microcrystalline variety of amethystine quartz with a botryoidal spherical habit. The tiny quartz spheres form clusters resembling grapes. This Grape Agate specimen has 1-5mm botryoidal spheres with a lavender-lilac color and a satin luster. The luster can appear matte but the surface has micro-fine druzy that displays a satin sheen when light is shown on the specimen.

  • Specimen: Grape Agate (Grape Chalcedony)
  • Locality: Manakarra area, Mamuju District, West Sulawesi, Indonesia
  • Size: 68mm x 40mm x 40mm
  • Weight: 103.6g
  • Natural, free of dyes or enhancements.
  • You'll receive the specimen shown in these photos.
  • Includes specimen ID card.

 

About Grape Agate
Grape agate is valued for its color, luster and botryoidal form. The most valuable Grape Agate specimens are in shades of lavender, lilac, blue-green teal or bicolor. The blue-green specimens are uncommon and receive their color from green Celadonite inclusions, a hydrothermal blue-green clay mineral. High quality specimens have a glistening luster, this sheen is created by micro-fine druzy on the surface of the quartz spheres.

Grape Agate, known as Manakarra Agate was discovered on the island of Sulawesi, an island North of Bali. On the central coast of Western Sulawesi, near the village of Manakarra, locals began finding small purple orbs on the beach, the orbs had washed down the river from the rainforest to the ocean. In 2013, the orbs were tracked into the mountains and the source of these strange stones was located, the deposits began 5 kilometers up the winding river, the primary deposits were discovered about 7 kilometers upstream. Grape Agate is from volcanic origin, forming in voids within pillow lava. The area is rugged mountainous terrain, with steep valleys. Vehicles are unable to travel along the narrow trails, all tools, material and supplies are carried in and out on foot.

In 2016, Grape Agate made its debut on the market at the Tucson Gem Show, sparking interest and fascination from mineral dealers and collectors around the world. Today, Grape Agate specimens are highly sought-after and there is much competition to obtain the best pieces. 


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