Quartz

specimen number:
2062568

location:
Mamaju, West Sulawesi, Indonesia

description:
A loose cluster of slightly translucent purple botryoidal crystallized quartz. Complete all around with no points of attachment. Slight damage present as seen, still overall in good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.

The Mamuju region in West Sulawesi, Indonesia, features a complex geological landscape shaped by volcanic and hydrothermal activity, characterized by ancient lava flows, altered clay pockets, and high background natural radiation. Local mining operations in the remote and rugged terrain around Mamuju began around 2014, and the unique mineral specimens from this area burst onto the international market around 2016, though specific large-scale commercial closing dates remain undefined as localized artisanal extraction continues.

Grape agate is a trade name rather than a true banded agate, consisting instead of spherical, botryoidal clusters of tiny purple crystalline quartz and chalcedony. Formed when silica-rich fluids filled gas bubbles and cavities within volcanic rocks, these grape-like crystal formations range in color from soft lilac to deep amethyst, sometimes featuring secondary green hues due to mineral inclusions.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.