Ilimaussaq intrusive complex

Alkalic layered intrusion located in Greenland From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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
Kakortokite, a variety of agpaitic nepheline syenite, from the Ilimaussaq intrusive complex

Description

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

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