Helgehornsvatnet
Almklovdalen, Vanylven, Møre og Romsdal, Norway
Helgehornsvatnet, Vanylven, Møre og Romsdal, Norge
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Helgehornsvatnet is a notable mineral locality in Møre og Romsdal, Norway, known for its unique geology.
It features rare minerals like peridot, pyrope garnet, and chromium-bearing diopside, often found in garnet peridotite.
The area is part of the Almklovdalen peridotite massif, with high-pressure metamorphic rocks.
While protected, nearby regions have a history of olivine mining, with active quarries like Gusdal Olivine Pit.
It’s popular for hiking, with family-friendly trails, and has inspired local geological anecdotes.
The climate is maritime, with mild winters and cool summers, supporting typical Norwegian mountain ecology.
Geographic Location
Helgehornsvatnet is located between Almklovdalen and Sunndalen valleys in Vanylven municipality, Møre og Romsdal, Norway, at 333 meters above sea level. Named after the nearby mountain Helgehornet (514 m), it’s part of western Norway’s scenic fjord and mountain landscape, offering stunning views and access via trails from Sunndalen and Hellebust.
Minerals and Geology
The locality is famous for its garnet peridotite, containing minerals like peridot (olivine), pyrope garnet, and chromium-bearing diopside. These are significant for their scientific value and beauty, with the area protected as a natural heritage site. It lies within the Almklovdalen peridotite massif, featuring high-pressure metamorphic rocks like eclogites, offering insights into deep Earth processes.
Mining and Culture
While Helgehornsvatnet itself is protected, the broader region has a history of olivine mining, with active quarries like Gusdal Olivine Pit. It’s also a cultural spot, accessible via family-friendly hiking trails, and known for anecdotes like a geology professor’s excited jump into a nearby lake, reflecting its geological allure.
Climate and Ecology
The region experiences a maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers, influenced by the Gulf Stream. The ecology includes forests, alpine meadows, and diverse wildlife, with the protected status ensuring preservation of both geological and ecological features.