Bodø
Nordland, Norway
Bodø kommune, Nordland fylke, Norge
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Bodø, in Nordland, northern Norway, is just north of the Arctic Circle, part of the Salten region, a remote area known for its dramatic landscapes.
It features minerals like grossular (a garnet) and dravite (tourmaline), with unique occurrences in schist, formed through igneous and metamorphic processes.
Mining started in 1895, with the Hopen mine producing 1400 tons of ore and 180 tons of copper by 1909, employing around 30 people, now discontinued.
The Arctic climate and Sami heritage add cultural depth, with northern lights as a striking feature, possibly influencing mineral formation.
Unexpectedly, nearby Stetind pegmatite, 135 km northeast, is Norway’s National Mountain, offering additional feldspar and quartz for enthusiasts.
Geographic Location
Bodø sits in the far north of Europe, just beyond the Arctic Circle in Nordland county, Norway, within the Salten region. It’s the second-largest town in North Norway, surrounded by rugged mountains and fjords, making it a remote and visually stunning destination. Nearby, Stetind pegmatite, 135 km northeast, is a notable site, recognized as Norway’s National Mountain, with a small, abandoned feldspar/quartz quarry (Mindat - Stetind pegmatite).
Minerals and Geology
The Bodin mining field in Bodø is rich in minerals, including uncommon ones like grossular (a vibrant garnet) and dravite (a rare tourmaline), often found in amphibolite-biotite-antigorite schist, possibly formed from ancient komatiitic lavas. These minerals result from a complex interplay of igneous and metamorphic processes, offering crystal enthusiasts unique specimens with a story of geological transformation.
Mining History
Mining began in 1895, with exploration starting at Storfjellet (Ures mine) in 1897, and the Hopen mine discovered in 1900, producing immediately. By 1909, it yielded 1400 tons of ore and 180 tons of copper, with minor activity in 1911 and 1916. Owned by R.M.B. Schølberg, it employed around 30 people, transporting ore by horse to Valle, then by barge to Finneid for processing, now discontinued.
Local Culture and Climate
Bodø’s Arctic location brings a harsh, cold climate with brief, bright summers, likely influencing mineral formation. Its Sami heritage and the northern lights add cultural richness, making it a place where nature’s extremes meet human history, with the aurora offering a spectacular backdrop for mineral exploration.