Eudialyte with Agrellite

specimen number:
2072077

location:
Kipawa Complex, Quebec, Canada

description:
Purplish red partial crystals and masses of eudialyte on matrix with colorless agrellite. Classic material for this famous locality.

The Kipawa Complex is located near the town of Temiscaming in the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region of western Quebec, Canada. Geologically, it is a world-class example of an alkaline to peralkaline igneous complex that is part of the Grenville Province. The complex formed approximately one billion years ago during the Grenville Orogeny and consists of a diverse suite of syenites, nepheline syenites, and amphibolites that have undergone high-grade metamorphism. This unique geochemical environment is exceptionally rich in rare-earth elements, zirconium, and fluorine, which has led to the formation of over 100 different mineral species, many of which are rare or found only in a few locations globally. Historically, the area was explored for its potential as a rare-earth element (REE) deposit, but it is most famous among mineralogists for its high-quality specimens recovered during specialized collecting trips in the late 20th century.

The minerals eudialyte and agrellite are the most iconic species from the Kipawa locality. Eudialyte occurs as vibrant, raspberry-red to deep pink masses and occasional crystals embedded within a matrix of coarse-grained silicate minerals. It is a complex zirconium silicate that serves as a primary indicator of the peralkaline nature of the intrusion. Agrellite, named after mineralogist Stuart Agrell, was first described as a new species from this site in 1976. It typically forms as pearly white to grayish-white elongated laths or fibrous aggregates. One of the most spectacular features of Kipawa agrellite is its intense pink to magenta fluorescence under short-wave ultraviolet light, a property that makes it a centerpiece for fluorescent mineral collectors. These minerals are often found in close association with other rare species like britholite, fluorasphalt, and vlasovite, making the Kipawa Complex a premier destination for studying exotic mineral chemistry.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.