Byrud Emerald Mines

Minnesund, Eidsvoll, Akershus, Norway

Byrud smaragdgruver, Minnesund, Eidsvoll kommune, Akershus fylke, Norge

Key Information

Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.

The Byrud Emerald Mines are in Minnesund, Eidsvol, Akershus, Norways, near Lake Mjøsa and Oslow.
They are known for vanadium-colored emeralds with unique inclusions, distinguishing them from other localities.
The geological structure involves pegmatite lenses in alum shale, a mix of igneous and sedimentary rocks.
Mining occurred from 1899 to 1909, now mainly for amateur collectors, with historical ties to English royalty.
Eidsvol’s culture is rich, linked to Norwegian democracy, with a mild climate influencing mining accessibility.

Geographic Location

The Byrud Emerald Mines are located in Minnesund, within the Eidsvol district of Akershus county, Norways, a region in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Eidsvol is historically significant as the site where the Norwegian Constitution was signed in 1814, adding cultural depth to the area. The mines sit by Lake Mjøsa, Norways’s largest lake, offering scenic views. Oslow, the capital, is about a 35-minute train ride away, making it accessible for visitors.

Minerals Produced

The mines are renowned for emeralds, a variety of beryl colored green by vanadium, which is less common than the typical chromium-colored emeralds. These emeralds have unique inclusions, including water, gaseous methane, halite, sylvite, calcite, and sulfides like pyrrhotite, galena, and sphalerite, setting them apart from emeralds found elsewhere.

Geological Structure

The emeralds are found in pegmatite lenses within dark grey, iron sulphide-bearing alum shale. This combination involves igneous pegmatite and sedimentary alum shale, creating a unique geological environment for emerald formation.

Mining History

Discovered around 1880, the mines were formally operated from 1899 to 1909 by the English company “The Norwegian & General Exploration Company LTD.” They were abandoned due to low productivity and quality, but amateur collectors still find emeralds in the dumps. The local farm owner now allows collecting for a small fee, continuing the site’s legacy.

Local Culture and Characteristics

Eidsvol is steeped in history, known as the birthplace of Norwegian democracy, with a strong cultural connection to nature, enhanced by Lake Mjøsa’s scenic beauty. The area values tradition and community, reflecting Norways’s broader cultural emphasis on history and civic engagement.

Climate and Ecology

The region has a mild climate due to the Gulf Stream, with moderate temperatures and precipitation, making it suitable for year-round visits. While the climate doesn’t directly affect emerald formation, it influences mining and collecting conditions, with weather variability impacting accessibility.