Tugtupite (Type Locality - fluorescent)

Item Description

Now forbidden to export from Greenland, this tugtupite specimen is harder to obtain as a collector in the modern market. Old and desirable piece! Tugtupite is a very rare Na-Be-Al-silicate with Cl. It is a member of the Helvine Group, which is a subgroup of the Sodalite Group species. Pretty bright pink, lustrous and translucent tugtupite dominates the crest and cascades down one side of the sculptural contrasting white matrix wedge. The white matrix also includes contrasting patches of Polylithionite, a rare Mica Group species. This specimen is from the Type Locality area of both species, the exotic alkaline Ilímaussaq complex of Greenland. Tugtupite fluoresces deep red under SW UV light and orange-pink under LW UV light. A fascinating species! Choice and excellent material of this rare species. Ex Irving Horowitz Collection.