Ytterby mine

The Ytterby mine is located in Vaxholm Municipality and was developed in a pegmatite dyke containing quartz and feldspar. The dyke runs from north-northeast to south-southwest and dips westward at about 60 degrees.

Mining began in the 17th century with the extraction of quartz for glassmaking. Later, operations shifted to feldspar production for the porcelain industry until the mine closed in 1933.

This site played an important role in the history of chemistry, as researchers discovered materials here from which several elements were later isolated. The name of the place was adopted for four of these elements, showing the importance of the site for science.

Guided tours take place every Sunday from May through August and meet at Ytterbyvägen 65. Access is via a footpath leading to the mine, where visitors can explore the open excavation area.

The mine supplied feldspar for porcelain production across Europe for nearly two centuries. Today, the site is a natural monument showing how geology and the history of science connect.

Location: Vaxholm Municipality

Inception: 1756

Website: https://ytterbygruva.se

GPS coordinates: 59.42650,18.35353

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:22