The Most Promising Layman’s Samples Are Rewarded

The quality and significance of the sample determine the amount of the individual prize

Samples of ores, industrial minerals, construction stones, and gemstones are all accepted to participate in the layman’s sample competition. Please notice that meteorites are excluded from the layman’s sample observations.

The total prize pool is €15,000. The amount is divided between several samples. The final prize amounts are decided annually by GTK according to the amount and quality of the samples received that year.

When evaluating the samples e.g., these factors are important

• Location
• The sample is found in an area GTK is already interested in and conducting research on.
• Is the discovery area new and potentially providing information about previously unknown mineralization in the bedrock.
• Is the discovery area restricted by other activities (e.g., existing exploration permit or mining site)
• The quality of the sample and its analysis results.
• Whether the sample was taken from a boulder or bedrock. Boulders are given added value in the competition.

Competition rules

Samples taken by hired contractors, or from locations already being investigated, or that have previously been sent to other similar competitions are excluded from the layman’s sample competition. However, prizes can be rewarded for samples that provide valuable new data on a previously studied area.

Instructions on delivering samples can be found in How to Collect and Send Layman’s Samples? section.

1. By submitting an ore rock, industrial mineral, dimension stone, or gemstone sample for analysis to GTK, you automatically enter the National Rock Sample Competition. Observations must meet the following conditions:

• They have been collected legally.
• They have been collected in Finland.
• They are not from an area with an existing exploration or mining permit.
• The sample must weigh no more than 2 kilograms.
• They include the coordinates of the collection site.
• The finder is not a paid prospector or employed by GTK, an exploration company, or a mining company at the time of discovery.
• They are not taken from subjects already under investigation or previously entered in other competitions. However, a prize may be awarded for samples that provide significant new information on previously studied subjects.

2. The competition period is the calendar year from 1 January to 31 December. Prizes are awarded the following year after field checks. If a check cannot be carried out that year, the sample may be verified later and considered in the next competition period.

3. Submitted samples will not be returned. By sending a sample, GTK obtains the right to analyse, store, and conduct additional analyses on it later.

4. By participating, you agree that the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) will process your personal data in accordance with the Privacy Policy of layman’s sample practice.

5. Participants under 18 years of age require guardian consent. There is also a youth competition category. If you are under 18 years of age, the consent of your guardian is required. Without consent, you cannot participate.

6. GTK has the right to record the submitted sample and its location data as part of GTK’s database and/or the annual report on the National Rock Sample Activity. Coordinates, rock types, main minerals, and analysis data will be publicly available. If the sender is awarded a prize, GTK will publish the municipality of the sample’s location on its website and social media.

7. GTK is not liable for any personal, property, or financial damages that participation in the National Rock Sample Competition may cause. Responsibility lies with the participant.