Topaz, Quartz

Schneckenstein cliff, Schneckenstein, Tannenbergsthal, Muldenhammer, Vogtlandkreis, Saxony, Germany

6,2x6x4,5 cm. (main Topaz 1,3x1x0,8 cm.)

Very aesthetic and hystoric Topaz from Schneckenstein. In this specimen at least 6 topaz are set on a bed of quartz crystals, the biggest one aesthetically perfect. All crystals have an excellent luster and the main Topaz show us a classic yellow color, transparent to translucent aspect and a complex termination. Ultimately a highly captivating historical piece.

Schneckenstein (883 m) is an approximately 23 m high rock near the small settlement of the same name. The rock became known for its distinctive geological structure and associated abundance of topaz, which Christian Kraut discovered in 1727. The rock was quarried until the 1800s, and about two-thirds of the rock was removed in the process. For many years Schneckenstein became the primary source of gem topaz in Europe, more easily called Topaz-Rock (Topas-Gestein bei Schneckenstein), as reported on the old label dating back to XIX century which accompanies the piece offered here. The rock has been protected as a natural monument since 1938. For more info  

As a curious note the Liebig’s Extract of Meat Company, founded in 1865, released a series of advertisement trade cards in the early 1900s, and one of these, entitled “Pierres Precieuses”, just represents this geological locality.