Mookaite

Item Description

Dramatically colorful, sculptural and uncommon Mookaite from the Type Locality where it was found. MINDAT defines 'Mookaite' as the "unofficial, locally coined name for a silicified porcelanite. Porcelanite is a group of siliceous-rocks that have the texture, lustre and conchoidal fracture of porcelain. From a strictly geological perspective however, Mookaite is best defined as a silicified type of Radiolarite. Radiolarite being a siliceous-rock composed predominantly of microscopic remains of radiolaria." Striking two-toned brick-red areas are surrounded by yellow bands. Part of the nodule has been coated with lacquer or Krylon giving the fantastic enhanced color and high lustre. From the worldwide mineral collection of Albert Lewis Kidwell (January 1, 1919 - August 16, 2008). Al was a well-known mineral collector and research geologist with Carter Oil Company and later Exxon Oil Company in Houston, Texas. The phosphate species Kidwellite was named in his honor in 1974. Certainly an exotic, colorful and uncommon example from the obscure locale. 537 grams