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]

Tugtupite on quartz from Ilimaussaq complex

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. 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.
  2. http://www.mindat.org/loc-4302.html Mindat locality.


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