Enjoy the bright Lapland amethyst at Pyhä-Luosto in Finnish Lapland

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Lapland amethyst

The Lapland amethysts found at Pyhä-Luosto are taken from the only active amethyst mine in Europe. The mine is on top of Pyhä-Luosto's Lampivaara mountain. Here you find a fantastic view of the area. This mountain is an attraction by itself in addition to the mine.

The mine is one of Lapland's treasures. The owners try to make the amethyst mine a tourist destination by letting visitors experience the mine in different ways. The Arctic Amethyst company also produces amethyst jewellery and souvenirs that are designed by famous Lapp goldsmiths.

Rarity

The amethyst has bright colours that vary from light purple to dark violet. At the Pyhä-Luosto amethyst mine they have even found large rocks of amethyst. Towards the end of the last glacial period, 10.000 years ago, the amethysts came to the surface of the Lampivaara mountain. This amethyst deposit was discovered in 1985. The mine is regarded a geological rarity because it is so far north in Lapland, but also because its size.

The transparent amethyst crystals have always been popular gemstones because of the beautiful colours and because they are very hard. Amethyst jewellery has always been popular with monarchs and priests and churches.

Photo: Jonathan Zander

Myths

Since the time of the Pharaohs of Egypt, there have been myths about the beauty and gentleness of the amethyst. Some say that wearing an amethyst will make you more relaxed and that your self-confidence will improve because of the positive influence of the stone. Amethysts even reduce restlessness and help people to adaptable to changes.

Read more about the Lapland amethyst.

Pyhä-Luosto National Park

In the area you'll also find the Pyhä-Luosto national park which is Finland's oldest national park. The mountains (tunturit) of the park are remnants of Alp-like mountains of 2 billion years of age. Very old pine tree forests grow on the hillsides. The highest mountains are Noitatunturi (540 m / 1770 ft) and Ukko-Luosto (514 m / 1690 ft). Read more about the Pyhä-Luosto National Park

Find your way to the Luosto area from the E-75 at Torvinen.

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