Polylithionite from Greenland

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: L0Y-5RL
Date: May 1st, 2026
Locality: Kangerluarsuk Fjord, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland (See on Mindat)
Size: 73 x 34 x 77 mm
Weight: 147 g

Description:
Plates of silvery polylithionite mica and pink crystals of eudialyte dominate this specimen from Kangerluarsuk Fjord, Ilímaussaq Complex, Narsaq, Greenland. Under shortwave UV the polylithionite fluoresces bright off-white. The eudialyte is not fluorescent. Interestingly, this specimen is also mildly radioactive, emitting approximately 150 cpm at 1 cm. As the name implies, polylithionite is a lithium-bearing mica.

Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2017.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Polylithionite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

• Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: White