Fåfäng Mine
Viker ore field, Nora, Örebro County, Sweden
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Fåfäng Mine is located in the Viker ore field near Nora, Örebro County, central Sweden, part of the historic Bergslagen mining district.
It produces a variety of minerals, including actinolite, apatite, calcite, chalcopyrite, diopside, dolomite, dravite, epidote, galena, garnet group, hematite, hornblende, magnetite, molybdenite, pyrite, quartz, scheelite, sphalerite, tourmaline, tremolite, and zircon, with scheelite and dravite being particularly notable.
The mine’s geology involves Na-altered felsic and Mg-Fe-altered metavolcanic rocks, associated with marble and skarn horizons, formed through volcanic and metamorphic processes.
Mining likely began in the 17th century, focusing on iron, though specific dates for Fåfäng Mine are unclear.
Nora, nearby, is known for well-preserved 18th-19th century wooden architecture and a mining heritage, with a unique apple farming tradition for miners’ health.
The climate features long, freezing winters and comfortable summers, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 71°F, influencing the local ecology.
Location and Minerals
The Fåfäng Mine sits in the Viker ore field, close to Nora in Örebro County, central Sweden, within the renowned Bergslagen mining district. Nearby towns like Gyttorp, Ås, Striberg, and Garphyttan add to the region’s charm. This mine is a hotspot for mineral enthusiasts, yielding a rich array of minerals such as actinolite, apatite, calcite, chalcopyrite, diopside, dolomite, dravite, epidote, galena, garnet group, hematite, hornblende, magnetite, molybdenite, pyrite, quartz, scheelite, sphalerite, tourmaline, tremolite, and zircon. Notably, scheelite (a tungsten ore) and dravite (a type of tourmaline) stand out as uncommon finds, adding an unexpected layer of interest for collectors.
Geological Insights
Geologically, the mine is embedded in Na-altered felsic metavolcanic rocks and Mg-Fe-altered metavolcanic rocks, with connections to marble and skarn horizons. This complex setting, part of the Bergslagen district, suggests minerals formed through volcanic activity and metamorphic processes, offering a window into the region’s geological past.
Mining History
The broader Nora region has a mining history dating back to the 17th century, primarily for iron, and it seems likely that the Fåfäng Mine followed suit, though specific operational details are not well-documented. This historical context highlights its role in Sweden’s industrial growth from the 17th to 20th centuries.
Cultural and Climatic Context
Nora, near the mine, is a gem with well-preserved wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, earning it a spot among Sweden’s best-preserved wooden towns. Its cobbled streets and boutique shops create a quaint atmosphere, while its mining heritage is preserved at sites like Pershyttan. An unexpected detail is Nora’s apple farming tradition, started to improve miners’ health, now maintained by organizations like Pomologiskt Centrum. Climatically, Nora experiences long, freezing winters with significant snowfall and comfortable summers, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 71°F, shaping the local ecology and lifestyle.