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MOOKAITE JASPER FOR SALE
Mookaite is found as nodules in the Windalia Radiolarite formation within the Kennedy Ranges near Gascoyne Junction, Western Australia.
How Is Mookaite Formed?
Mookaite is found in the 110-million-year-old Windalia Radiolarite formation, which formed on a shallow marine shelf. This is a fossiliferous formation that frequently contains casts of fossils such as ammonites and belemnites. Mookaite is found as vibrantly colored nodules within certain beds of soft white clay throughout the formation.
Radiolarite is a fine-grained, chert-like sedimentary rock composed predominantly of the microscopic remains of radiolarians. Radiolaria are tiny (0.1 mm!), free-floating zooplankton that produce intricate mineral skeletons made of silica. When the radiolarians died, their tiny silica-based skeletons settled on the bottom of the ocean and became covered in sediment (mud/clay).
As this sediment turned to sedimentary rock in a process known as diagenesis, the silica from the radiolarian skeletons pinched and coagulated into ribbons, nodules, and other irregular concretions. These formations are the mookaite within the clay layers. The coloration is due to other (mostly iron based) mineral impurities present along with the silica. So technically, mookaite could be considered as a fossiliferous sedimentary rock made out of the tiny skeletons of radiolarians!
Where Is Mookaite Jasper Found?
Mookaite is exclusively found in the west side of the Kennedy Range in Western Australia. A few active mining leases produce this material in small quantities. The area is remote, and the work to mine it is brutal.
Where Does The Name Mookaite Come From?
The name mookaite is derived from Mooka Creek, where the material is dug. Mooka is a local aboriginal word for “running waters”. Mookaite often gets incorrectly labeled as mookite, mookalite, mook jasper, etc.
What Color(S) Is Mookaite?
Mookaite's coloration can be influenced by various iron oxides within the silica. Colors can range from light cream colors to very brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows, often in swirling bands. Purple mookaite is more rarely seen.
How Hard Is Mookaite?
Since mookaite is mainly composed of silica, it is quite hard, falling between 6-7 on the Mohs scale along with other silica and quartz-based mienrals. Some of the more opaline material can be extremely brittle and difficult to work, though.
Is Mookaite A Jasper?
Yes, Mookaite is a typical jasper, composed mainly of silica with mineral (iron) impurities providing the color.
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