Unique visiting destination at Pyhä-Luosto, Lapland Finland
Lampivaara Amethyst Mine is probably one of the only amethyst mines which welcomes visitors all year round.
The amethyst of Lampivaara was formed about 2 000 million years ago in the bowels of the ancient mountains. There is now a special gem mine on the top of the hill that will sustain for hundreds of years, because machines aren’t used to dig the amethysts and it’s not exported as raw material. This makes it possible for people to visit the Amethyst Mine and search their own amethyst to keep during the tours.
During the tour people will hear about the geology and history in addition to the properties of the gems and the uses of amethyst. In many cultures there are lots of different beliefs connected to amethyst.
During winter amethysts are searched in beautiful winter wonderland
You will travel to Lampivaara amethyst mine with special “snow train” Amethyst Pendolino which is a warmed wagon pulled by a snow machine. You may choose your departure station: the center of Luosto, Ukkoluosto parking lot (2,5 km from center, car parking) or Lampivaara Café (5 km from Luosto, you can arrive here by skiing, by snowhoes, by fatbike or by winter hiking).
Pendolino will take you to the top of Lampivaara fell (small mountain) where you can enjoy the very top view of the area, over the national park. Then you will be seated in wooden shelter, sipping warm berry juice and listening the facts and stories of this fascinating purple gem stone.
After the story moment you will be heading to digging area. A part of the open digging area is covered by roof, so amethyst searching is possible also during the winter time. Each visitor will be able to dig for their own personal lucky amethyst. In the end of the visit there is some time to drop by a small “Amethyst Shop” on site. The amethyst of the area is refined into jewellery and other productions.