Royal choice for olivine: The extraordinary sarcophagus of the Norwegian King Harald

The Norwegian Royal House has unveiled the sarcophagus for King Harald V and Queen Sonja. What makes this royal sarcophagus extra special is the deliberate choice of material: olivine. A mineral that is not only aesthetically and historically significant, but also known for permanently capturing CO₂ from the atmosphere.

Environmentally conscious choice

The Norwegian court stated that the choice of olivine is a powerful symbol of King Harald and Queen Sonja's deep love for nature. Olivine is a special mineral that forms deep within the earth's crust and naturally absorbs CO₂. By choosing this material, the royal couple is sending a sustainable and environmentally conscious message to future generations.

Originating from Sunnmøre

The sarcophagus is crafted entirely from Norwegian natural materials. The olivine comes from the Sunnmøre region, a beautiful Norwegian natural area where Queen Sonja has hiked extensively. In addition, peridot – the gemstone variety of olivine – has been incorporated into the design.

The power of olivine at greenSand

At greenSand, we know better than anyone how valuable olivine is for the climate and our living environment. The mineral helps permanently clear away CO₂ and is used in numerous sustainable solutions, from gardens to large-scale infrastructure. The fact that the Norwegian royal family has chosen olivine as a lasting symbol further emphasizes the unique properties and significance of this green mineral.

Although the use of olivine in cemeteries is becoming more common, greenSand prefers to see the mineral used in functional situations; after all, a smaller grain size offers more surface area for faster CO₂ absorption, while movement prevents the formation of a lime layer and slows down weathering.

Photo: Øivind Möller Bakken, The Royal Court