Genthelvite and Willemite, Zinc Minerals Associated with Alkaline Magmatism from the Motzfeldt Centre, South Greenland

Adrian A. Finch
Grant Institute of Geology, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JW, UK

Abstract: Two new occurrences of Zn-rich minerals are described from the SM6 lujavrite unit of the Motzfeldt alkaline centre, South Greenland. Zinc and beryllium complexes in the magma gave rise to the formation of interstitial grains of genthelvite (Zn4Be3Si3O12S), identified in samples by strong green cathodoluminescence. It is suggested that subsequent metasomatism leached Be from the genthelvite, giving rise to the formation of associated willemite (Zn2SiO4).

Keywords: willemite • genthelvite • metasomatism • Igaliko • Greenland

Mineralogical Magazine; September 1990 v. 54; no. 376; p. 407-412; DOI: 10.1180/minmag.1990.054.376.05
© 1990, The Mineralogical Society
Mineralogical Society (www.minersoc.org)