Description
Pyknite is variety of Topaz that occurs in only very few granitic/pegmatitic occurrences and a few tin deposits. It is a fine-grained Topaz in dense clusters of prismatic to “acanthine” (resembling the leaves of the acanthus plant) crystals. Over the years, I have seen quite a selection of Pyknite specimens from the Saxon locality Altenberg, from fairly small to the size of a suitcase. However, rarely have I seen such high quality specimens with deep canary yellow Topaz combined with great luster and very good translucency for the species. Definitely a classic Erzgebirge specimen from a tin mine that was active on and off from 1440 until 1991. It has always been rare and sought-after, especially in this quality.