Ilimaussaq intrusive complex

Tugtupite on quartz from Ilimaussaq complex
Kakortokite, a variety of agpaitic nepheline syenite, from the Ilimaussaq intrusive 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. ^ a b Sørensen, H. (2001), Brief introduction to the geology of the Ilímaussaq alkaline complex, South Greenland, and its exploration history (PDF), GEOLOGY OF GREENLAND SURVEY BULLETIN, vol. 190, archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-08-10
  2. ^ http://www.mindat.org/loc-4302.html Mindat locality.

60°56′05″N 45°52′09″W / 60.93472°N 45.86917°W / 60.93472; -45.86917


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