August 2024 – pycnite

Pycnite is the mineral of the month for August 2024. This beautiful mineral is a variety of topaz. A variety is the different formation of a mineral in terms of its colour, transparency, or habit Similar to pylknite, varieties often have their own minerals. The internal structure of the crystals in each variety is identical. This is also the difference to a modification, where the chemical composition is identical but the crystal structure is different. The best-known location where pycnite is found in Germany is Altenberg in Saxony. Tin has historically been mined in Altenberg. The mining activity can still be seen today in the pinge in Altenberg. A pinge is a funnel-shaped depression created by the collapse of mining tunnels, for example. The region is currently very much in the spotlight again, particularly due to the lithium deposits, and companies are already very active in exploration. Hopes are high that mining around Altenberg can supply us with lithium, which we urgently need for the energy transition.