Ilimaussaq intrusive complex

Tugtupite on quartz from Ilimaussaq complex

The Ilimaussaq intrusive complex is a large alkalic layered intrusion located on the southwest coast of Greenland. It is Mesoproterozoic in age, about 1.16 Ga. It is the type locality of agpaitic nepheline syenite and hosts a variety of unusual rock types.[1]

The complex is noted for a wide variety of rare minerals and is the type locality for thirty minerals, including: aenigmatite, arfvedsonite, sodalite, eudialyte and tugtupite. [2]

The complex has an areal extent of 8 by 17 km and an exposed thickness of 1700 m. The complex includes Kvanefjeld, a uranium deposit and a large reserve of rare earth elements, zirconium, niobium and beryllium.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 H. Sørensen, Brief introduction to the geology of the Ilímaussaq alkaline complex, South Greenland, and its exploration history, in GEOLOGY OF GREENLAND SURVEY BULLETIN, VOLUME 190, 2001 available online at http://www.geus.dk/publications/bull-gl/nr190/nr190_p001-023.pdf
  2. ↑ http://www.mindat.org/loc-4302.html Mindat locality


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