Mineral Park

"Varuträsk is dubbed one of the most mineral-rich places in the World."

Explore the mineral deposits
& hunt for rare stones

Journey through the underground Mine

Rivers of Mineral deposits

Over the course of the mining operations, much of the rock debris was discarded throughout the forest. Over 70 different minerals were discovered in the Varuträsk mine, but many of their uses were unknown to local experts. New minerals emerged each day, but potential use hadn't been established.

Mining operations at Varutrask ceased in 1946. All work ended and most of the equipment was left behind. The forest was left in silence, except for what remained: rocks and stones pulled from deep in the Earth now scattered among the pines and between the bushes like rivers.

Scattered Discoveries

Within these rocky rivers are all the rare minerals sitting atop the forest floor. Geologists and collectors alike dig through these rock deposits for valuable stones for collection, study, or turn them into jewelry.

There have been numerous researchers that have utilized the mining deposits for research and discoveries. These deposits have helped with understanding Sweden's ancient bedrock and its volcanic past.

They also play a part in the battery in your phone. One of the more striking characteristics of this area are the 6 different forms of Lithium, which has been useful in further understanding how lithium is formed.

Gemstones & Jewelry

Not only do the deposits provide easy access to a plethora of information, but they also contain crystals, quartz, and other igneous rocks that are valuable to jewelers and craftsmen.

The most abundant crystal in the rocks is Tourmaline. When tourmaline is polished it has a beautiful range of colors from dark green, to light pink.

Lilac and Gray Lepidolite are also strewn about the forest. Lepidolite is an igneous rock that is high in lithium. It is usually a vibrant lilac color, but it can also be found in a clear grey color.

Other special finds are Petalite, Muskovite, Amblygonite, and more.

Click here for a complete record of minerals discovered.

Hunting for Stones

The mineral deposits are an exciting treasure hunt to pick through. Before digging through the rocks, you must purchase a Mining License at our reception to get access to the Mineral Park. A map, stone hack, and safety goggles are included with the license. The deposits are rich with treasure, but it takes a keen eye and a bit of luck. What you find you may keep!

To get to the deposits, it is a short walk along a path. As you walk you'll come across more and more rocks. These rocky areas are where you can leave the path and begin digging through the rocks. Continue up the path to find signs of the past: a test pit, the bigger open pit mines, and the transformer station.

The mining license can only be bought during opening times (although you can always shoot us an email, we may be on site). It is not allowed to collect minerals from the underground mine.