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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 21, 2014 18:25:50 GMT -5
I was cabbing one today and, not for the first time, was amazed at just how hard the stuff is and how much like bloodstone it is- in terms of how it polishes. I'm not thinking it is a chalcedony, but it just seems harder than jasper.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,463
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Post by Sabre52 on Jul 21, 2014 18:57:56 GMT -5
Mook is actually a chert as it is of sedimentary origin and contains minute marine fossils. Chert, agate, jasper are all chemically microcrystalline quartz with various inclusions. Same chemically as chalcedony but chalcedony is more lacking in inclusions. Mookaite is extremely compact and lacking in the softer earthier inclusions you often find in jasper which is probably why it is more agate hard when you cut it. To me it always seems right up there in hardness and shine-ability with the very fine grained and hard porcelain jaspers but once and awhile you'll find a hunk of Mook that is, I guess, more porous and a bit softer and more difficult to polish.....Mel
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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 22, 2014 11:34:32 GMT -5
Thanks Mel. I suppose I could have looked online, but, frankly, I was hoping for one of your great answers. You da man!
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