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Mysteries
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.
Fluorite and Sodalite (Locale uncertain)
A very rare combination these pieces were believed to be from the Taseq Slopes but the original cache was lost and has not been rediscovered. The fluorite vein runs atop a matrix of gray lujavrite and the sodalite is interspersed throughout. Also a lilac FL mineral is present which has not yet been identified.
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Sodalite with ?
Found on the Taseq Slopes this mineral has two veins of a yellowish green FL mineral enclosing coarse grains of sodalite. It is medium bright, white under natural lighting.
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Sorensenite and ?
Sorensenite is found throughout the complex but is most notable in the Kvanefjeld area. This specimen was found on the Taseq Slopes and consists of a well-defined crystal in the center – dull yellow/white FL. The mystery is the bright yellow FL from an unknown mineral, perhaps sorensenite in another form?
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Tugtupite and ?
This specimen was found in the Kangerlussaq area. It appears to simply be albite under natural lighting, but SW UV reveals the deep cherry red of tugtupite and a brilliant white FL from an unknown mineral. The white FL areas are deeply phosphorescent.
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Tunulliarfik Unknown
A large boulder of sodalite was recovered with this lime green, deeply phosphorescent mineral associated with it. Areas of cherry red tugtupite are sprinkled throughout, and a vein of dimly fluorescent sodalite is enclosed in the lime green FL mineral. Natural color is white.
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Yellow Sodalite with Blue FL
Several pieces of deeply tenebrescent sodalite from the Taseq Slopes have been found with a relatively bright blue FL (SW only). The color is similar to fluorite, but there is no response under longwave.
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Polylithionite with Purple Fluorescing Mineral
Some nicely formed polylithionite formations from the Kangerlussaq area have a white mineral associated with them which glows a medium bright purple under SW. The feldspar matrix on these pieces also glows the typical dark crimson found with many feldspars.
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Summary
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?
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