Helgustaðanáma Iceland Spar Mine
About Helgustaðanáma Iceland Spar Mine
Helgustaðanáma is an old Iceland spar mine on the north shore of Reyðarfjörður, about 9 km east of Eskifjörður in East Iceland. Iceland spar, silfurberg in Icelandic, is a perfectly clear form of calcite, and this small quarry on the Helgustaðir farm was one of the world's main sources of it. Most of the Iceland spar in museum collections around the world came from here.
What made the crystals valuable is double refraction. Look through a clear piece and you see everything twice, because the crystal splits light into two beams. That property made Iceland spar essential for optical instruments such as polarizing microscopes, and it played a part in research into the nature of light.
Mining at Helgustaðir went on from the 1600s into the early 20th century, when newer technology replaced the crystal in instruments. The site has been protected as a natural monument since 1975, and removing any Iceland spar is strictly forbidden. You will still see glints of calcite in the rock walls and the spoil around the old workings.
To get to Helgustaðanáma, drive east from Eskifjörður on the gravel road toward Vöðlavík for about 10 minutes until you reach the information board and parking area by the shore. From there a footpath climbs a few hundred meters up the slope to the mine. Allow about an hour for the walk and a look around, and visit between late spring and fall, when the road is clear of snow.
Good to know
What is Helgustaðanáma?
Helgustaðanáma is a historic mine near Eskifjörður where Iceland spar, a clear form of calcite, was dug for centuries. It is now a protected natural monument.
Where is the Iceland spar mine?
The mine is on the north shore of Reyðarfjörður in East Iceland, about 9 km east of Eskifjörður on the gravel road toward Vöðlavík. It is about an hour's drive from Egilsstaðir.
Can you take Iceland spar from Helgustaðanáma?
No. The site has been protected since 1975 and it is strictly forbidden to remove any Iceland spar. Look, photograph and leave the crystals where they are.
Why is Iceland spar important?
Iceland spar splits light into two beams, a property called double refraction. That made it essential for optical instruments like polarizing microscopes and useful in early research on light.
How long is the walk to Helgustaðanáma?
From the parking area by the information board, a footpath climbs a few hundred meters to the mine. Most visitors spend about an hour on the walk and the site.
When was the Helgustaðir mine in use?
Iceland spar was taken from Helgustaðir from the 1600s, and mining continued into the early 20th century before newer technology replaced the crystal.
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