Mookaite Buddha (REF:B1)

The only known source of Mookaite is Mooka Creek, on the western side of the Kennedy Ranges, 180 kilometres east from Carnarvon, Western Australia.

Microscopic examination shows Mookaite consists of the remains of tiny creatures known as radiolaria, that have an unusual skeletal structure of opaline silica. Billions of these were deposited as sediment in the ancient sea-beds of shallow seas. When the seas retreated, these sediments were cemented into solid rock by the silica.

Mookaite is mainly composed of cryptocrystalline silica, with radiolarian microfaunal structures, the colour caused by varying concentrations of hematite/goethite granules.

It is found in a range of bright colours including reds, white, tans, purples and pinks.