Helgustadir mine, Historic calcite mine near Eskifjörður, Iceland
Helgustadir is a historic calcite mine near Eskifjörður, consisting of an upper and lower mining section across protected land. The two zones show how extraction of this mineral was organized and carried out in this remote part of Iceland.
Mining began in the 17th century and supplied high-quality crystals for scientific instruments worldwide for several centuries. Operations ended when synthetic alternatives became available in the 20th century.
The Museum of Natural History in London displays a massive 230-kilogram crystal extracted from this geological formation in eastern Iceland.
Visitors cannot collect mineral samples or disturb the protected reserve, as it is under strict management. It is important to stay within designated areas and respect the preservation rules.
The site is known for producing exceptionally large and transparent crystals that were sought after for optical instruments worldwide. A remarkable 230-kilogram specimen is now displayed at the Museum of Natural History in London.
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