Mark Cole's Photo Gallery

V25-5TVTugtupite Na₄BeAlSi₄O₁₂Cl , Chkalovite Na₂BeSi₂O₆ , Analcime Na(AlSi₂O₆)·H₂O

Kuannersuit Plateau, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland

This specimen is an excellent example of the typical habit for tugtupite and chkalovite. "Eyes" of chkalovite are often surrounded by tugtupite. Chkalovite can be used as a locator mineral - whereever there is chkalovite, tugtupite may not be far away.
Size 3" x 4", in the collection of Mark Cole.
Photo - Mark Cole, MinerShop, 2003

4P3-HJ7Sørensenite Na₄SnBe₂Si₆O₁₆(OH)₄

Kuannersuit Plateau, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland

Pink bladed crystals atop an analcime matrix, 2" x 1". Fluorescent yel/wht under SW UV (see accompanying photo)
Photo 2004 - Mark Cole, MinerShop

MGL-LWCUssingite Na₂AlSi₃O₈OH

Tunulliarfik Fjord, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland

Ussingite "in-situ" - width of area shown is approximately 3'
Photo 2005, Mark Cole, MinerShop

FQV-CVRUssingite Na₂AlSi₃O₈OH , Chkalovite Na₂BeSi₂O₆ , Tugtupite Na₄BeAlSi₄O₁₂Cl , Sodalite Na₄(Si₃Al₃)O₁₂Cl

Tugtup Agtakôrfia, Tunulliarfik Fjord, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland

Shortwave Fluorescent Image
The matrix is deep purple gem ussingite (non FL). An "eye" of snow white chkalovite (fluorescent blue/white, SW) is rimmed by a thin vein of tugtupite (red SW). This is a classic habit; tugtupite is reported to form as a replacement of chkalovite. Accompanying sodalite glows a bright orange, and is nicely tenebrescent.
Collected 2005, 2.5" x 2.5", Mark Cole. Photos: Mark Cole

QDT-PKJPhlogopite KMg₃(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂ , Calcite CaCO₃

Kokcha Valley, Badakhshan, Afghanistan

Translucent phlogopite on calcite matrix. Calcite is fluorescent a bright orange under midwave (MW) UV, while the phlogopite fluoresces a bright lemon yellow under shortwave (SW). The blue cast is due to UV light reflections.
4" x 3", Photo: Mark Cole

11R-29WLeucophanite NaCaBeSi₂O₆F

Langesundsfjorden, Norway

Leucophanite from Norway is an exceptionally beautiful fluorescent specimen. This photo shows a piece appx. 2 1/2" x 1 1/2" of solid leucophanite under midwave UV. The reaction is strongest under MW, but also respectable under SW.
Photo: Mark Cole

9NP-E0NTugtupite Na₄BeAlSi₄O₁₂Cl , Analcime Na(AlSi₂O₆)·H₂O

Taseq Slope, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland

One area on the Taseq Slope produces specimens of tugtupite that appears as veining in an analcime matrix. Quite often there are small vugs containing micro-crystals of tugtupite as can be seen in this specimen. The crystals are 1mm to 2mm, and the piece is 3" x 2 1/2". See accompanying full size photos and fluorescent photos.
Collected summer 2006, Mark Cole

8RD-1P3Tugtupite Na₄BeAlSi₄O₁₂Cl , Analcime Na(AlSi₂O₆)·H₂O , Sodalite Na₄(Si₃Al₃)O₁₂Cl , Chkalovite Na₂BeSi₂O₆

Taseq Slope, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland

Bright red fluorescent tugtupite in a matrix of blue/white fluorescing analcime, with "eyes" of chkalovite (white) surrounded by tugtupite. There are also blebs of orange fluorescent sodalite. Collected summer 2006, and photos by Mark Cole, MinerShop. 5" x 4"

JEA-DDVTugtupite Na₄BeAlSi₄O₁₂Cl

Taseq Slope, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland

Tugtupite crystals, found by a member of the 2003 Greenland Geo-Adventure Tour. Many of the crystals are over 4mm and are the largest crystals found to date. Veins of tugtupite, in a matrix of analcime crystals, are occasionally found with vugs of micro-crystals, but only from a certain spot on the Taseq Slope. Only 3 specimens were collected from this find.

Photography: Mark Cole, MinerShop

LGQ-664Chkalovite Na₂BeSi₂O₆ , Tugtupite Na₄BeAlSi₄O₁₂Cl , Polylithionite KLi₂Al(Si₄O₁₀)(F,OH)₂

Taseq Slope, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland

Massive chkalovite with tenebrescent tugtupite and polylithionite. Very fluorescent (see accompanying shortwave image) - 7.6cm x 5cm. Collected by MinerShop, Aug. 2006. Photographed by Mark Cole