Quick Highlights
-
Size/Dimensions: 4 x 2 inches
-
Weight: 175 grams
-
Source/Origin: Mamuju Area, Sulawesi, Indonesia
-
Key Features: Full botryoidal formation, gentle lavender hue, UV-reactive fluorescence, pristine condition
Product Description
Introduction
This exquisite Grape Agate specimen hails from the famed Mamuju region of Sulawesi, Indonesia, celebrated for producing some of the world’s most delicate and vividly colored botryoidal chalcedony. With its softly contoured, bubble-like formations and glowing lavender tone, this piece evokes the perfect balance of elegance and organic artistry. Under UV light, it reveals a subtle fluorescence that adds another layer of visual intrigue.
Unlike many grape agate specimens that present with broken nodules or uneven color zoning, this piece is complete, undamaged, and uniformly toned — a standout representation of the finest quality from this locality.
Geological Details
Grape Agate is a trade name for botryoidal chalcedony, a variety of microcrystalline quartz that forms in radiating aggregates of tiny spheres. This specimen belongs to the trigonal crystal system and falls under the silicate mineral class. It forms through low-temperature hydrothermal activity, where silica-rich fluids deposit into voids, gradually building these spherical clusters over thousands of years.
The Indonesian deposits are relatively new to the mineral world, discovered in the mid-2010s. Specimens like this are extracted manually from narrow seams in volcanic rock, making top-tier pieces increasingly rare.
Aesthetic Appeal
This piece features classic botryoidal texture — a series of interconnected, grape-like orbs rippling across its surface. The lavender to violet hue is soft and evenly distributed, and the specimen glows with a velvety luster. The exposed matrix offers visual contrast and adds geological context.
Under UV light, the chalcedony fluoresces with a soft white-blue glow, providing a subtle but magical reveal for collectors and healers alike.
Metaphysical Properties
Grape Agate is revered for its tranquil and meditative energy. It’s said to enhance inner stability, spiritual insight, and emotional clarity. The spherical formations are believed to amplify unity, harmony, and intuitive connection.
As a chalcedony-based mineral, it also carries properties of nurturing, protection, and balance—making it a gentle yet powerful addition to any healing collection.
Rarity
This piece is a premium example of Grape Agate, showcasing full coverage, undamaged orbs, and a balanced lavender tone. With mining access restricted and manual recovery methods, specimens of this caliber are harder to source each season.
Why You Will Love This
Whether you're a collector or seeking a calming visual anchor for your space, this piece delights. Its plush texture and gentle color invite mindfulness, while the glowing formations ensure it catches the light—and attention—wherever it’s placed.
Specifications
-
Exact Dimensions: 4 x 2 x ~1.5 inches
-
Weight: 175 g
-
Finish: Natural, unpolished botryoidal surface
-
Unique Features: Full coverage, lavender tone, UV-reactive, damage-free, natural matrix exposure
Collector's Note
Specimens from Mamuju are highly sought-after in the collector market. This example’s pristine condition, color quality, and sculptural elegance make it a valuable addition to any serious collection.
Display Recommendations
- Use a dark wood or black stand to highlight its form.
- Place under warm LED lighting to enhance the violet tones and emphasize its surface luster.
- Pairs beautifully with clear quartz or selenite in metaphysical displays.
