Mookaite is a silicified porcelainite or radiolarite characterized by its vibrant, multicolored swirls of red, yellow, and cream. It is highly valued by lapidary artists for its ability to take a high polish and its unique, opaque, earthy aesthetic found exclusively in Western Australia.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Dull to Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralcommonQuartz family

Mookaite

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Dull to Waxy
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this mookaite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch mookaite with a known reference. Mookaite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mookaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mookaite typically shows a dull to waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, yellow, cream, pink, white, maroon.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

Mookaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Jasper

Mohs 6.5-7

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull to waxy on Mookaite and waxy on Jasper.

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull to waxy on Mookaite and waxy on Flint Nodules.

Compare →

Often found alongside mookaite

Minerals reported to co-occur with mookaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: SiO₂
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
Colors: Red Yellow Cream Pink White Maroon
Streak: White
Luster: Dull to Waxy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Decorative, Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary
Typical price: $5-50 for rough slabs and cabochons

Where rockhounds find mookaite

Classic worldwide localities

Mooka Creek, Western Australia
Kennedy Ranges, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary country — that is the host setting where mookaite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chalcedony in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mookaite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a dull to waxy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include red, yellow, cream, pink.

Where is mookaite found?+

Notable localities include Mooka Creek, Western Australia; Kennedy Ranges, Australia.

How much is mookaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 for rough slabs and cabochons. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like mookaite?+

Mookaite is most often confused with Jasper, Flint Nodules. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with mookaite?+

Mookaite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Chalcedony. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mookaite form in?+

Mookaite typically forms in sedimentary. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mookaite used for?+

Mookaite is used in lapidary, decorative, collector.

Find mookaite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.