Schneckenstein, Mountain summit in Vogtlandkreis, Germany

Schneckenstein is a mountain in Vogtlandkreis that rises to 883 meters (2,897 feet) with steep rock faces and thick forest coverage throughout the area. The landscape is marked by exposed stone formations that stand out against the surrounding woodland.

Minerals from the site were mined beginning in the early 1700s after valuable crystals were first discovered. Mining activity shaped the landscape until operations ceased in the early 1800s.

The name likely comes from the rock's original shape, which resembled a snail. Since 1727, when Christian Kraut found topazes here, the rock has drawn mineral collectors; specimens are displayed in the Topas room of the Mineralienzentrum Schneckenstein. The 485 topazes set in the crown of Sophie Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz for her 1761 coronation with George III came from here.

The mountain is accessible via marked hiking trails that are relatively straightforward to follow. It is best to visit during dry weather and bring sufficient water and sturdy footwear.

The rock is a quartz-topaz breccia whose like is otherwise known only from Mount Bischoff in Tasmania. In 1761, 485 Schneckenstein topazes were set into the crown made for Sophie Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz for her coronation with King George III.