Trip to Pyhä-Luosto National Park and Amethyst Mine

Meeting Point

Lapland Welcome

The basic zone of the National Park is formed of Finland’s most southern fell chain. The area has many functions; it is for conserving nature, preserving indigenous people’s culture and serving as a destination for hiking and tourism. The National Park consists of Pyhätunturi National Park which is established in 1938 and of the Luosto area northwest of Pyhätunturi Fell. These were combined at the beginning of 2005 to form a new National Park. In southwest areas of Ukko-Luosto Fell and Lampivaara Hill forests have not been logged and some trees are as old as 400 years. The Luosto area is known for its majestic old-growth pine forests and Pyhätunturi for its geology and Sámi history. The fell chain is a collage of treeless peaks and deep ravines. Lush forests, some of them herb-rich forests, flourish in the area’s valleys and along brook banks. The Lampivaara Amethyst Mine is a sectioned off area within Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Quartz is the most common mineral in the earth’s crust after feldspar. Amethyst a rare violet coloured see-through form of quartz has been found at Lampivaara in Luosto. The clearest parts of the amethyst found at Lampivaara are classified as a gem and is often used in jewellery. Gathering amethyst gems from the National Park is forbidden except from the Amethyst mine.On the top of Lampivaara fell there is the only operative amethyst mine in Europe. It may be the only gem mine in whole world that welcomes visitors. In warm cosy Lappish hut the mine visitors hear the fascinating stories of amethyst, how it was formed 2 000 000 millions of years ago, how the place was found and how the mine is run on permanent progress principle, how people in all cultures have believed in the mystical powers of amethyst and other interesting tales found in ancient legends. After stories the visitors are guided to the mine and each will dig and find a personal lucky amethyst for keeps. The Little Mine Shop in Luosto recreation village provides information about the mine and has a fine selection of amethyst treasures, needful things and extraordinary objects. Barbeque lunch is included. We will be back in town at about 17:00.