| Brecciated Mookaite |
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Click on any photo to see a larger version
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This is another new find from the outback of Western Australia. It occurs near Mooka Station in the
Kennedy Ranges about 100 miles inland from the coastal town of Carnarvon. This geologically
interesting rock is actually a brecciated radiolarite. Radiolarite or radiolarian chert is a high silica
sedimentary rock which may be considered a variety of chert. It is formed as primary deposits and
contains radiolarian microfossils. Locally the varicolored opaline to chalcedonic radiolarite is mined
and used as a popular stone called Mookaite.
A brecciated variety of Mookaite has been found. It is from the same deposit as normal Mookaite, just
a few levels deeper in the ground. The Aussies are calling it “Brecciated Mookaite”. This stone is
composed of opaque segments bordered with translucent borders. This creates an interesting puzzle
like mosaic of colors that ranges from mustard yellows, creamy whites and tan browns. This
Brecciated Mookaite really holds together well and since almost all portions are the same hardness it
takes an excellent polish with minimal undercut. As with any brecciated material, there is a possibility
of having small voids in the stone. It cuts and polishes nicely and will work for small cabs all the way up
to large specimens.
Kennedy Ranges about 100 miles inland from the coastal town of Carnarvon. This geologically
interesting rock is actually a brecciated radiolarite. Radiolarite or radiolarian chert is a high silica
sedimentary rock which may be considered a variety of chert. It is formed as primary deposits and
contains radiolarian microfossils. Locally the varicolored opaline to chalcedonic radiolarite is mined
and used as a popular stone called Mookaite.
A brecciated variety of Mookaite has been found. It is from the same deposit as normal Mookaite, just
a few levels deeper in the ground. The Aussies are calling it “Brecciated Mookaite”. This stone is
composed of opaque segments bordered with translucent borders. This creates an interesting puzzle
like mosaic of colors that ranges from mustard yellows, creamy whites and tan browns. This
Brecciated Mookaite really holds together well and since almost all portions are the same hardness it
takes an excellent polish with minimal undercut. As with any brecciated material, there is a possibility
of having small voids in the stone. It cuts and polishes nicely and will work for small cabs all the way up
to large specimens.
| Here is a thick slice of BRECCIATED MOOKAITE that has been polished on one side and smooth cut on the other. This unique piece has a real mix of inclusions! The larger tan chert appears as though it were dough or clay that had been sliced leaving separation marks. The colors range from creams to tans and browns with splashes of maroon. There is such a busy mix on this one...a fascinating specimen to look at closely! Another rare collector piece from Australia! This beautiful specimen measures 7.2 x 6.4 x 0.45 inches (slightly thicker than 7/16") or is 183 x 162 x 11mm and weighs 1.09 lbs (494g) |
| Item # BMPS04109993 Large Brecciated Mookaite Polished Slab from Australia $110.00 |
| Here is a thick slice of BRECCIATED MOOKAITE that has been polished on one side and smooth cut on the other. There are some natural voids in the highly polished surface that produce a very interesting display specimen. The colors range from creams to tans and browns with splashes of maroon. What appears to be dark fill areas are a translucent pinkish light brown when held up to a light source or backlit. A very rare and collectible piece! This beautiful specimen measures 7 x 6 x 0.4 inches (slightly thicker than 3/8") or is 180 x 155 x 10mm, and weighs 0.9 lbs (432g). |
| Item # BMPS04109463 Large Brecciated Mookaite Polished Slab from Australia $89.00 |
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