How to Collect and Send Layman’s Samples?

Anyone can send rock samples to GTK for analysis. Each sample received provides additional information about the bedrock of Finland and the valuable minerals that may be located there.

How to Use Omakivi Service?

Send your observations with OmaKivi app

GTK’s layman’s sample practice is becoming paperless and entering the digital age. You can make observations of samples with the layman’s samples mobile app called OmaKivi. The free application is available for iOS and Android phones. You can download the app from App Store or Google Play Store. More information on how to use the app is located here.

Observations sent with the OmaKivi app and the samples related to them take priority over samples sent with a paper form. If you want your sample to be processed and analysed as fast as possible, please use the OmaKivi app either on your mobile phone or via web browser.

During the transition phase, you can send samples with the old method as well, by writing down the required information by hand. The sample paper must be included in the package with the sample.

Send your samples by following these instructions

Take a representative sample

Take a representative sample of an interesting rock or a boulder. A piece roughly the size of a fist is enough.

Mark the location

Mark the location where you took the sample on a map or write down its coordinates. Mark the location in the terrain as well with a stick or a piece of rope, for example. This way the location is easier to find if any further research needs to be conducted.

Send the sample

Pack the sample or samples in a solid package. Packages under 2 kilograms are delivered free of charge inside Finland. We do not accept samples that weigh more than 2 kilograms. If you send multiple samples, please number the samples, so that the samples and the locations they were found at are easy to match. If you send several samples within a year, please use subsequent numbers. Remember to place the sample paper in the package. Samples are processed in the order in which they are received.

Write the following information to a piece of paper and attach it to the package

- The sender’s name, address, phone number, and email address.
- The exact locations where the samples were taken and the respective coordinates of those locations, if possible.
- Include information on whether the sample was taken from bedrock, boulder, or rock.
- Identify whether the sample should be analysed as an ore, industrial mineral, construction stone, or gemstone sample.

You can send GTK requested samples for free from Posti mail service points.

- Find the nearest Posti mail service point
- Use the GTK contract ID: 602833.

Posti mail service point from the map

Send your samples to:

Geologian tutkimuskeskus / Asiakaspalautus
Your name Kansannäyte
Microkatu 1 T
70210 KUOPIO

Email: kansannaytetoimisto@gtk.fi

Two cardboard boxes sit on white surface, one open and one close.