Beneath the Surface

Iceland is geologically young. The oldest parts of the country, the West and East fjords, are about 16 million years old. New rock is continuously created along the volcanic rift zone that runs through the country from north to south, spreading the land to the east and west. The rocks at the eastern and western edges weather and erode, so the land is constantly renewed.

During the Ice Age, glaciers moved across the land, carving the East fjords and exposing their geological layers.

Most Icelandic gemstones form as geodes. The crystals grow inside cavities or fractures in volcanic rock over long periods. Warm, mineral-rich water circulates through these spaces, and over time, beautiful crystals form. The temperature of the water, the elements it carries, and other environmental conditions determine which minerals form. Around 150 mineral types have been identified in Iceland.

Quartz is one of the most common minerals in the world. Decorative varieties such as quartz crystal, agates, jasper, opal, onyx, and amethyst are all found in East Iceland.

Calcite is also widespread, along with a variety of zeolites. East Iceland also contains spherulites and a notable number of fossilised plants. The most famous mineral is Iceland spar, a clear type of calcite that was mined and exported until the early 20th century.