Tugtupite Crystals, Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland - One of the World\'s Finest Examples

Contributed by: Mark Cole
Date: Apr 5th, 2026
Locality: Taseq Slope, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland (See on Mindat)
Size: 2 x 1.75 x 2 inches
Weight: 5.8 oz

Description:
Until 2001 (when I first traveled to Greenland) tugtupite was only known from the tugtupite mines on Kvanefjeld. There were reports on other varieties and locales, but none was ever available to collectors. Crystals were unheard of. In 2002, we made a major discovery of tugtupite on the eastern part of the Taseq Slope. We found veins of tugtupite in an analcime and/or lujavrite matrix. A major characteristic of the tugtupite found in this area is the presence of tugtupite crystals. Small vugs occur in the analcime matrix and occasionally small tugtupite crystals are found. I had never seen pictures of tugtupite crystals (or heard of) from Mt. St. Hilaire or the Kola Peninsula. Now they have only been documented in these pieces from Greenland, and even then, very rarely. And tugtupite is found nowhere else in the world.

This is the finest specimen I have ever found. A large showing runs down the middle of the piece, along with one side which is covered in a druze of micro-crystals.

Of course, the tugtupite fluoresces a bright cherry red. Small areas of green fluorescence are unknown micro-crystals often associated with tugtupite crystals. Under longwave UV light, the color of the tugtupite crystals shifts to a salmon color. Midwave light reveals some unusual color - common with tugtupite crystals.

Originally posted by Mark Cole on Nature's Rainbows in 2016.