Van Dieman's Wilderness - Hastings Caves - 40ml Shimmering Fountain Pen Ink

Hastings Caves (Shimmer)

Wilderness Collection – 2026 Edition

New 40ml Bottle

At the southernmost reaches of Tasmania lie the remarkable dolomite chambers of Hastings Caves, where mineral formations rise and fall in honeyed columns and stalactites catch the light in warm golden tones. When illuminated, the cavern walls glow amber and bronze, reflecting softly off underground pools fed by naturally heated springs.

Hastings Caves translates that subterranean glow to the page.

The base ink moves from the faintest wash of warm yellow through rich amber and into deep golden brown in heavier applications. Its low to moderate saturation allows for pronounced shading, creating layered tonal variation that echoes mineral deposits and light shifting across stone.

Along the edges of pooled ink, subtle greenish undertones emerge, adding depth and quiet complexity.

Suspended throughout is a fine silver shimmer that reflects like moisture across rock surfaces. It is luminous rather than glittering, designed to enhance rather than overpower the base colour.

For 2026, Hastings Caves retains its exact colour and shimmer profile, now produced using our refined formulation and larger batch process:

• Zero sedimentation
• Smoother, clearer flow
• Greater consistency between bottles and batches

The shimmer disperses more evenly and remains suspended longer, while the dye clarity allows the shading to appear cleaner and more defined.

Handmade in Australia.

Suitable for fountain pens, dip pens and brushwork. A medium or broad nib will best reveal the full shading range and shimmer effect.

Hastings Caves is warmth in low light.
Mineral glow captured in ink.

Ink Characteristics

Surface Tension: Approx. 44–45 mN/m
pH: Neutral
Saturation: Low to Moderate
Shading: Moderate to High
Sheen: Minimal
Shimmer: Moderately High Silver
Flow: Balanced