Topaz Rock Schneckenstein

The rock has been known since the 17th century. There are several assumptions about the origin of the name; today it can be assumed that it comes from its original shape. In 1727 Christian Kraut discovered the topazes at Schneckenstein. In many sources he is incorrectly referred to as a cloth maker. Between 1734 and 1800, the Königkrone colliery mined topazes at Schneckenstein, removing around two thirds of the original rock. In 1800 the rock was handed over to the Freiberg Mining Academy as a research object. The rock has been protected as a natural monument since 1938. The rock is a popular viewing point, but is also a frequent target of “amateur mineralogists” and looters. During the GDR era, from 1973, the rock was fenced off and no longer accessible. After reunification, the fence was dismantled and the rock was made accessible to visitors again. However, after a short time it had to be fenced in again. Today the rock is guarded and can be accessed within the fence at certain times of the day.

The Schneckenstein is a 23.4 meter high, topaz-containing rock located near Muldenhammer in Saxony. It became famous for its snail-shaped appearance and the “Saxon diamonds” that are inside.

Even if the name Saxon Diamond may seem like it, the minerals from Schneckenstein are not diamonds, but topazes.
The fact that the topaz from Schneckenstein was and is called a diamond from Saxony is due to the fact that the minerals are polished and set in jewelry or crowns and are very similar to diamonds. One of the most famous owners of Saxon diamonds was August the Strong (Friedrich August of Saxony, 1670 to 1733). His jewelry, decorated with Saxon topazes, is now kept in the Green Vault in Dresden; other Saxon diamonds are part of the Crown Jewels of England.

Absolutely worth seeing, a small wonder of nature!