Tugtupite in Basalt
Tugtupite (variety of Sodalite group) · Rare Collector Mineral and Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Tetragonal; typically occurs in massive, granular, or micro-crystalline habits within host rock cavities
Mineral Group
Silicates; Tectosilicates (Sodalite group)
Chemical Formula
Na8Al2Be2Si8O24(Cl,S)2 with Mn replacements providing color
Formation Process
Hydrothermal formation; typically found in agpaitic nepheline syenites and late-stage hydrothermal veins/pegmatites.
About This Crystal
Small, vibrant pink to reddish-pink granular inclusion embedded within a dark, vesicular/porous basaltic or volcanic matrix. The pink mineral exhibits a waxy to vitreous luster and is translucent.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Pink to red (tenebrescent); Streak: White; Cleavage: Indistinct; Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven; Specific Gravity: 2.3 - 2.4; Fluorescence: Strong salmon-pink to bright red under SW and LW UV light.
Optical Properties
Uniaxial (+); Refractive Index: 1.494 - 1.504; Birefringence: 0.006 - 0.009; notable for photochromism (tenebrescence) where color deepens upon exposure to UV.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
The most notable source is the Ilimaussaq intrusive complex in Greenland; also found in Kola Peninsula, Russia, and Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 4.0 - 6.0; Toughness: Fair to brittle; requires careful handling when set in jewelry due to lower hardness.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water only; avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam. Store in a cool, dark place as prolonged high-heat or intense artificial light can affect the tenebrescent color properties.
Rarity & Value
Very Rare collector's item; value is determined by the intensity of the pink-red color, the size of the patch, and the degree of tenebrescence. Cut stones or high-grade specimens from Greenland are high-value.
Special Characteristics
Tenebrescence (reversibly darkens when exposed to light); Strong fluorescence (glows bright red/orange under UV light).
Lore & History
Discovered in 1962 in Greenland. Inuit legend refers to it as the 'blood of Tutu' (the reindeer girl), symbolizing love and passion. In metaphysical traditions, it is associated with the heart chakra and the release of repressed emotions.