Where is Mookaite Jasper found?
Siliceous rock (chert/chalcedony) with iron oxide inclusions
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Open the appMookaite Jasper occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Mookaite Jasper
Mooka Creek, Kennedy Range, Western Australia
The primary and almost exclusive source of Mookaite Jasper. It is found in the Mooka Creek area, approximately 160 km east of Carnarvon, Western Australia, within the Windalia Radiolarite formation.
Collecting tips
- Geological Context. Mookaite is found in specific geological settings, primarily in the weathered zones of the Windalia Radiolarite. Look for areas with exposed sedimentary rock formations that show evidence of silicification.
- Color and Pattern Recognition. Familiarize yourself with the characteristic vibrant colors (red, yellow, purple, cream) and distinct patterns (swirls, bands, mottling) of Mookaite. Unweathered pieces may have a duller exterior but will reveal their colors when broken or cut.
- Hardness Test. Mookaite Jasper is a form of chert/chalcedony, which is predominantly quartz. It should be able to scratch glass (Mohs hardness 7). This helps distinguish it from softer look-alikes.
- Fracture. Observe the fracture. Mookaite, like other jaspers, exhibits a conchoidal (shell-like) fracture, which is characteristic of cryptocrystalline silica.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Vibrant reds, yellows, creams, purples, often swirled or banded.
- Luster:
- Waxy to vitreous (polished), dull to waxy (unpolished).
- Streak:
- White (due to its quartz composition).
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