Ikaite deposits are relatively rare, and besides Greenland, notable occurrences have been reported in places like Antarctica, Japan, and Russia. In some cases, ikaite crystals may be found preserved within sediments or as pseudomorphs where the original ikaite crystals have transformed into other minerals while retaining their initial shape.
 
Due to its relative scarcity and limited occurrence, ikaite is not commonly used as a gemstone or for industrial purposes. However, its unique formation and decomposition characteristics make it valuable in scientific research, particularly in studies related to paleoclimatology, sedimentary processes, and the stability of minerals under varying conditions.