Sodalite – The sodalite from the Kvanefjeld area is (to date) unremarkable with only a couple of exceptions. Typically it appears to be of a coarser texture (very few pieces of pure sodalite – usually mixed with aegirine and syenite). The fluorescence is a duller orange than those found in other areas of the complex. A blue sodalite was recently found which, while not impressive as a fluorescent specimen (similar to those from Mt St Hilaire in brightness), the tenebrescense is quite remarkable.

A valley separates the Kvanefjeld area and the Taseq Slopes. The Taseq Slopes are expansive, running the entire width of the middle of the complex. Towards the bottom of the slopes there are large boulders that have eroded from the cliffs above. Climbing up, pockets of sodalite, white veins of albite and analcime, and outcroppings of a myriad of other minerals can be observed. Veins within the lujavrite rocks contain fluorescent minerals like sodalite, ussingite, tugtupite, polylithionite, and others.

Tenebrescent gem quality sodalite is often found on the slopes. Tenebrescense is the “color change” caused by exposure to ultraviolet light (usually shortwave). Both tugtupite and sodalite exhibit this characteristic in varying degrees throughout the complex. One important note of interest: freshly split rocks will often initially show a deep purple color, which quickly fades. While similar to tenebrescense, this is usually a “one-shot” occurrence. It never happens again (unless the mineral happens to be a tenebrescent sodalite or tugtupite). But it is often a good indicator of fluorescence.

There are three areas of interest on the Taseq Slopes: the eastern slopes, middle slopes, and western slopes. Only the western slopes have been extensively surveyed (by H. Sorensen and others in the mid 60’s). This area is noted for the heavy concentrations of beryllium, and produces some fantastic specimens. The middle slopes and eastern slopes both produce great examples of sodalite and tugtupite, along with a myriad of unidentified species.

Ussingite is another major mineral found within the complex (of interest to the fluorescent community). It is a fine-grained mineral (similar to quartzite in texture) and ranges in color from white to a deep gem purple. Deeply colored pieces are used for cabochons and can be quite attractive.

The fluorescent properties of ussingite remain a mystery. Many pieces do not fluoresce at all (or very dimly), while others fluoresce orange identically to sodalite. A few fluoresce a brilliant green. Tenebrescent ussingite has not yet been found. Most often ussingite is found associated with chkalovite, polylithionite, sodalite and tugtupite and is a good field indicator of the presence of these other minerals.

Polylithionite is typically found as greenish mica plates covering feldspars throughout the complex. On the Taseq Slopes a bright silver variety of polylithionite is found with fine-grained layers. This variety is as beautiful in natural light and is a brilliant yellow/white under shortwave. Typically the specimens are massive, reaching one meter in diameter, and often associated with tugtupite (which is also quite phosphorescent).

A very unusual variety of tugtupite can be found on the Taseq Slopes. Unlike those found on Kvanefjeld, it fluoresces a bright pink – not the typical cherry red. The response under longwave is also quite remarkable – a bright orange. The natural color is a deep (almost purple) red. In addition, these specimens are dramatically phosphorescent a bluish white. In many pieces tugtupite crystals are found which are clean and well formed (micros). Also, polylithionite is commonly associated with these specimens.

Exceptional specimens of chkalovite (FL blue/green) being replaced by tugtupite have been observed on the Taseq Slopes. These pieces are striking due to the patterns, as well as the very interesting formation. The matrix is analcime and lujavrite; the green FL is unknown but most likely uranyl activated.

The Tunulliarfik Fjord cuts right through the middle of the Ilimaussaq Complex. Traveling by boat from Narsaq the sights are wondrous; the deep blue water of the fjords broken by massive white and blue icebergs contrasts remarkably to the rocky cliffs and sparse vegetation on either side of the fjord. Upon approaching the transition zone into the complex the appearance of the land changes abruptly. There is almost a complete absence of vegetation due to the rapid weathering of the friable syenites – only gray rocks with an occasional white vein high above. Boulders lie at the water’s edge and landslide areas offer up exciting areas to prospect. Gem quality ussingite, massive veins of sodalite, and brilliant assortments of multi-color tugtupite specimens can all be found here.

The Kangerluarsuk Fjord forms the southeast boundary of the Ilimaussaq Complex. Like Tunulliarfik, the fjord cuts right through the complex. Steep cliffs rise from each side of the fjord. A large, relatively flat, rock-strewn area is located at the end of the fjord and is one of the three most productive areas in the complex. Significant exploration in the ‘60s revealed large deposits of beryllium, finds of tugtupite and other rare minerals. It was in this area that a find of deeply tenebrescent green sodalite was made in 2000.

A large boulder, the outward appearance unremarkable, was split with a hammer (picture to the left). The sodalite inside was colored a deep and bright purple. After a few minutes the purple faded to a bright green. Once examined under shortwave UV the brightness of the sodalite was amazing, and to add to that, the color change returned! The pieces once again darkened to a deep purple. This find is responsible for the continued exploration of the complex for fluorescent minerals.

There are reports from material written in the 60’s of a trail of large white boulders running from the base of the cliffs to the water’s edge; the result of a vein of albite/tugtupite from which the surrounding syenites had eroded away. These boulders have since disappeared, but each winter the water and ice seem to “dig up” additional specimens of white material in frost heaves which, when put under UV, rate among the prettiest minerals of the complex.

The sodalite is nicely tenebrescent, and glows a bright orange, while the tugtupite glows a bright cherry red. Fine-grained polylithionite glows a brilliant yellow/white. The blue FL in this picture “escaped” (some lucky Ebay buyer) before it could be identified, and no more specimens like this one have been found.

Kangerlussaq yields dramatic specimens of a white variety of tugtupite (appears to be albite under natural light). When associated with small crystals of polylithionite the brightness and depth of the red tugtupite is amazing.

Complex and striking mixed specimens are found in frost heaves where an ancient albite vein has broken up over the millennia. These pieces usually consist of an albite and aegirine matrix and seem to have every mineral found in the complex associated with them.

Some varieties of sodalite are a pure white under natural light. In the Kangerlussaq area one type was found that at first seemed innocuous – when a white rock was split it did not appear to be anything special. But after a few minutes of exposure to the sunlight it quickly turned purple! Further investigation showed that this material almost turned black under shortwave UV. This variety of sodalite is extremely tenebrescent – reacting to sunlight, longwave, and shortwave. It is also quite rare as only a couple of kilos were found.

There are a wide number of minerals common to many areas within the complex often associated with the major species of fluorescent minerals.. Many are miniatures, small crystals, or massive coatings on the host minerals. Some are easily identifiable from their crystal form, while others are ID’d based on some assumptions and hunches.

Pervasive throughout the complex is a green fluorescence from a very thin coating on the host rock. This has proven impossible to identify using EDS and other methods due to the difficulty in isolating the mineral. The fluorescence indicates a uranyl-activated glow. Until more information can be found this mineral will remain a mystery.

It appears natrolite, and a closely related mineral – tetranatrolite, is responsible for much of the green FL found on many fluorescent minerals from Greenland. Crystal vugs have been found with characteristic (of Natrolite) radiating sprays of acicular needles. Some of these crystals glow a bright green.

Others only glow at the edges, where it appears that the Natrolite crystals are corroding into tetranatrolite(?). In some pieces the natrolite appears to form into a sugary crust (much like albite) and covers large areas of the specimen – providing a pleasing green FL ranging from very bright to quite subdued. Natrolite crystals have also been found which do not fluoresce.

Gaidonnayite is theorthorhombic dimorph of catapleiite. Nicely formed crystal specimens have been found in cavities of nepheline syenites. Crystal Habits include equant, blocky, tabular and wedge-shaped crystals; stacked spherical groups and druses.

It appears that the corroded edges of these crystals glow a bright green under SW only. Reports from MSH indicate response under both SW and LW.

Fluorescent minerals from the Ilimaussaq Complex are slowly being identified as they are found. This process is time consuming and difficult; many specimens contain unknown minerals, with wonderful fluorescence. The purist would first identify these minerals before presenting them to the collecting public – but that takes half the fun out of the hobby. Listed below are pictures, some best guesses, and general observations on some of the (current) mystery finds.

The fluorescent minerals of Greenland bring a new and exciting challenge to the hobby. Dozens of new very collectable varieties are being found. As can be seen from this text, many are combinations of just a few rare and exotic minerals – mixed together to create simply awesome specimens. In many cases it has proven extremely difficult to identify some finds. And only the surface has been touched – literally! Collecting in Greenland to date has been focused on surface rocks. Over the coming years veins will be explored and fresh material brought to light that has never seen sunlight. Knowledgeable collectors are making trips to the complex and making new discoveries every year. Who knows what is waiting to be discovered?

Table of FL | Species