But, the appropriate name for purple quartz is amethyst.īotryoidal Amethyst: The name "amethyst" better honors mineralogical and gemological definitions, and the adjective "botryoidal" communicates a rounded shape. Grape Quartz: The name quartz fits better than both agate and chalcedony. Grape Chalcedony: Like agate, the name chalcedony implies quartz with a microcrystalline texture. The name agate also implies quartz with a microcrystalline texture however, most of the grapes have a drusy surface - making them megascopically crystalline. Grape Agate: This name is inappropriate because agate should have parallel internal banding. But, the use of "agate" as a species/variety name draws objections. There are no arguments with "grape" because of its purple color. Misnomers are names that are scientifically incorrect. The name "grape agate" has stuck as a marketing term. What drew us as a dealer and provider for collectors to this new find is that it is a common mineral with an uncommon color and habit in the mineral world from a new locality. When viewed through Opti-Visors or magnification, each individual "ball" has finite crystallized drusy-like surfaces. Later just Grape Agate as they form combinations of fine brilliant purple radial aggregates "balls" that resemble a bunch of grapes that have a stunning three-dimensional form and enticingly sparkling luster.
We originally called them Grape Chalcedony Agate due to their color, botryoidal formation and their cluster formation. These have been called Grape Agate, Grape Chalcedony, Amethyst Grapes and probably more names we have yet to hear. At the 2020 show we found some specimens with amazing small clear Quartz crystals on the specimens as well. The specimens we choose are nice lavender colors with associated moss-green Celadonite making a superb contrast. We found an exclusive import dealer at the 2017 Franklin, NC Show who we buy from every year. Since its discovery the Indonesian government had not allow it to be collected or exported until late 2016. It was discovered some years back along one of Indonesia's island coastal areas, Manakarra Beach in the Mamuju Area, Sulawesi Barat Province, West Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Grape Agate is a very interesting new material that was introduced to the market in the latter half of 2016.
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