Mookaite: the crystal that formed from aquatic skeletal remains!

Background!

Mookaite Jasper is a very interesting stone in terms of how it was created and where it’s found. Mookaite is only found in Western Australia on the west side of the Kennedy Range. Mooka Station was a sheep farm of about 700,000 acres where Mookaite was originally found. Mookaite can be dated back to its formation in the Proterozoic period. This crystal is mined from Mooka Creek and is only accessible in the winter months because it gets too hot during the summer. The creek is also prone to flooding during the Winter which makes this a difficult crystal to mine. 

Geology Information!

Mookaite is probably one of the most interesting crystals (in my opinion) because of how it formed. Mookaite forms from the skeletal bodies of aquatic organisms and microscopic remains that have accumulated over millions of years. These are combined with trace amounts of chemicals such as silica, iron oxide, aluminum oxide and manganese oxide. Mookaite is predominantly made up of the microscopic remains of aquatic organisms called Radiolaria. The scientific name for Mookaite is Windalia Radiolarite. The area in which Mookaite is found was formed during the Cretaceous period (145-66 million years ago). 

The radiolaria measured 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters long and produced intricate mineral skeletons. As ancient oceans receded, they gradually died out and their skeletal remains slowly transformed into sedimentary rock. Although many varieties of radiolarite can be found around the world, windalia can only be found in one location in Australia. 

The base chemical composition for Mookaite is SiO2 and it has a hardness of 6-7. 

More information! 

Mookaite is mainly composed of red, tan and yellow coloring, but purple is another color frequently seen within Mookaite. Less common colors include white and pink. Black Manganese veins are commonly seen within Mookaite and these are due to how the rock formed and what the weathering conditions were like while the rock was forming. Dendritic formations can also be seen within Mookaite, but not to be confused with the Black Manganese veins. 

Metaphysical Properties!

Mookaite is a very nurturing stone that provides calmness during times of stress and anxiety. It excels at bringing us peace and a sense of wholeness to the body. When we are faced with a difficult decision or challenging times, Mookaite aids in decision making and change. If you’re looking for a crystal to help with emotional growth, adaptability and creativity, Mookaite is a good choice! Mookaite is also a great crystal to have near you when you sleep or relax! 

Fun Facts! 

-According to aboriginals, Mookaite comes from the word Mooka meaning running water.

-The correct pronunciation is mooka-ite instead of moo-kite. 

-The Mookaite deposit is located on private land in Mooka Creek on Mooka Station. 

-Mookaite is in the overarching Quartz family, it’s technically a chalcedony stone.