TUGTUPITE

Overview: Named in 1915 after the tenth-century Norse mariner and explorer Leif Ericson, Tugtupite is a rare beryllium silicate first found at Ilímaussaq. Tugtupite is composed of Sodium, Aluminium, Beryllium, Silicon, Oxygen and Chlorine As Tugtupite has a highly active fluorescence, it even fluoresces in normal sunlight.

The rare mineral tugtupite shares much of its crystal structure with the ubiquitous sodalite.Tugtupite gems are nearly always in cabochon because of massive habit and are prized for their highly active fluorescence.

Usage: Tugtupite is a collector's delight.

Legend: Tugtupite was first discovered in 1957 in Tugtup Agtakorfia, Ilimaussaq, Greenland, and was named in 1962 after its discovery locality. For ages the Eskimo of Greenland have understood the power of Tugtupite.

Occurrence: Poudrette Quarry and Mont St. Hilaire, Quebec, Canada; Mt Karnasurt and Mt Alluaiv, Kola Peninsula, Russia.