Moqui marbles, iron oolite

Iron oolites are sandstones with embedded iron oxide globules (ooids). Oolite=egg stone (Greek oion=egg, lithos=stone). Synonyms for iron oolites are pea ore and pearl ore.

Moqui Marbles are large iron ooids with a sand-filled cavity. They are named after the Moqui Indians who live in Utah/USA.

Iron oolite can be found in Germany, France, England and the USA. Moqui marbles are only found in Utah/USA. They are spherical to lenticular and light to dark brown.


Mineral class of the oxides

Mohs hardness: 5 - 5.5
Density: Iron oolite: 3.0 - 3.5 Moqui marbles: 3.0 - 4.2
Cleavage: none, granular fracture
Stroke colour: brown
Transparency: opaque

Healing properties
Wish fulfilment, brings out wishes and needs, activates during the day, increases need for sleep at night