Butterfly pendant, made using copper electroforming, with a pale peach-pink teardrop-shaped Australian Mookaite stone. The Mookaite jasper adds a chromatic delicacy to the piece, contrasting with the organic textures of the electroformed copper.
Item details
| Mineral |
Mookaite (Radiolarian chert — microcrystalline SiO₂) |
| Technique |
Copper electroforming |
| Piece dimensions |
Approx. 48 × 26 mm (butterfly + stone · ±2 mm) |
| Metal finish |
Copper with natural dark patina |
| Stone hardness |
6–7 Mohs |
| Mineral origin |
Western Australia (Mooka Creek, Kennedy Range) |
| Treatment |
No detectable treatment |
| Type |
One-of-a-kind piece |
About this specific piece
The Mookaite in this pendant is a very pale and uniform peach-pink — almost cream at the edges — with a slight warmer tonal vein visible in the center of the teardrop. The mineral is opaque, and the mirror polish gives a soft, silky finish to the piece.
The combination of the muted pink of the Mookaite with the patinated copper of the butterfly creates a warm and subdued ensemble, very different from the drama of pieces with labradorite. A piece for those who prefer chromatic subtlety over intense visual effect.
The electroforming process
Electroforming deposits copper onto the stone, which is submerged in a copper sulfate bath under controlled electrical current. The metal grows layer by layer around the mineral to form a solid setting, without soldering or mechanical closures. The final geometry depends on the exact shape of that mineral fragment — which is why each piece is unique and cannot be mass-produced.
Mookaite in lapidary tradition
Mookaite gets its name from Mooka Creek in the Kennedy Range region of Western Australia, the only place in the world where it is mined. It is a radiolarian chert — a siliceous rock formed by the accumulation of marine radiolarian skeletons — with a hardness of 6–7 Mohs and a great chromatic variety ranging from yellow to red, beige to pink. Australian Aboriginal people have known and worked with this rock since ancient times.
In crystal tradition, Mookaite is associated with grounding and adaptability — the stone of those who know how to be present.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
Care for electroformed copper
Copper can develop a greenish patina (verdigris) over time or with prolonged contact with sweaty skin. To slow this down: avoid contact with water, perfume, and creams; store in a sealed bag. If verdigris appears, remove with a soft damp cloth and dry thoroughly immediately. Full guide: jewelry care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mookaite genuine and from Australia?
Yes. Mookaite is a mineral exclusive to Western Australia; any authentic Mookaite comes from that region. No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; no formal gemological certification.
Can copper stain the skin?
It can leave a faint greenish mark with prolonged contact with sweat. It is not harmful or allergenic for most people; it washes off with soap and water. If you have known sensitivity to copper, consult before purchasing.
How should the piece be cared for long-term?
Keep away from moisture and chemicals. Clean with a dry cloth. The copper patina can be maintained or slowed down depending on use and care. See full guide in jewelry care.
See also: all pendants · artisan outlet.
