Gemstone profile and identification guide
Tugtupite
Tugtupite is a rare pink feldspathoid known for UV fluorescence and light-sensitive color behavior.
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Overview
Tugtupite is a rare pink feldspathoid known for UV fluorescence and light-sensitive color behavior.
Did you know? Some tugtupite specimens darken with light exposure and fade in darkness.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Tugtupite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Feldspathoid: Tugtupite)
Hardness: 4 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Primary colour: Pink
Secondary colour: Red Pink
Colour family: Pinks
Distinct fluorescence and tenebrescent response are key identifiers.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure language where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: medium
Hardness value: 4 Mohs
Chemical composition: Sodium aluminum beryllium silicate chloride
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Common locations: Greenland (classic), Canada, Russia
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Rare pink feldspathoid mineral, often fluorescent and tenebrescent.
Optical effects: Fluorescence, Tenebrescence
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Tugtupite
Mineral group: Feldspathoid group
Chemical formula: Sodium aluminum beryllium silicate chloride
Mohs hardness: 4
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 2.3-2.4
Refractive index: 1.49-1.51
Optical phenomena: Fluorescence and tenebrescence
Colour range: White, pink, red-pink
Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features
Geological environment: Species-dependent
Principal mining regions: Greenland (classic), Canada, Russia
Important commercial sources: Gem and collector tugtupite is strongly associated with Greenland deposits
Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.
Common treatments: Treatment status varies by product; disclose when present.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.
Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.
Jewellery uses: Used mainly in collector stones and occasional protected cabochons.
Care recommendations: Soft and cleavage-prone; avoid abrasion, heat, and prolonged sunlight exposure.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Tugtupite.
Formation
Forms in alkaline igneous complexes and related metasomatic environments.
Origin
Gem and collector tugtupite is strongly associated with Greenland deposits
Uses
Best for: Used mainly in collector stones and occasional protected cabochons.
Ideal uses: Collector displays emphasizing fluorescence and rarity.
Care
Soft and cleavage-prone; avoid abrasion, heat, and prolonged sunlight exposure.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
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Tugtupite FAQ
How can I identify Tugtupite?
Compare hardness (4 Mohs), crystal system (Tetragonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Tugtupite appear in?
Rare pink feldspathoid mineral, often fluorescent and tenebrescent.
Where is Tugtupite commonly used?
Collector displays emphasizing fluorescence and rarity.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.