Lampivaara Amethyst Mine
An open amethyst mine on a Lapland fell where visitors dig and keep one stone.
Updated 31 August 2026
Amethyst formed in the quartzite of Lampivaara fell around two billion years ago, and a small mine works it on the surface within Pyha-Luosto national park, extracting stones by hand rather than by blasting because of where it sits. Visits are guided: the geology is explained, the history of the deposit set out, and then visitors are given a tool and allowed to dig in a working area and keep one stone that fits in the palm. Getting there means a walk of a few kilometres uphill from Luosto in summer, or a ride in a tracked carriage in winter. The fell top gives a view over the Pyha-Luosto ridge and the forest around it.
Highlights
- Digging for your own stone - the working area visitors are let into.
- Two-billion-year-old quartzite - the rock the amethyst formed in.
- Hand extraction only - the method the national park setting requires.
- The fell top view - the Pyha-Luosto ridge from the mine.
When to go
June to September and December to April; visits are guided and run to a schedule in both seasons. Half a day. Book ahead, particularly in the winter holidays.
Things to know
Access is a walk uphill in summer or a paid ride in winter, and neither is quick. Visits are guided and timed, with limited digging. The stone you keep is small. Weather on the fell can be harsh.
Nearby
Luosto is south; Pyha lies north along the ridge.
What to pack for Lampivaara Amethyst Mine
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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