Tertiary quartzites in the Thümmlitz Forest

Tertiary quartzites are silicified and compacted sands deposited during the Tertiary period (65 to 2,6 million years ago). They are also known as freshwater quartzite, lignite quartzite, or, formerly, as nodular stones. In the warm, humid climate of the Tertiary, these very hard rocks often formed from humic acid-rich seepage water beneath lignite seams, which led to the silicification of the underlying sands.

Particularly outstanding and signposted Tertiary quartzites in the Thümmlitz forest are the large monolith and the Devil's Stone, as well as the Lochstein and the Forester's Stone.

 Please pay attention to the information provided by the municipalities and owners regarding the condition and accessibility of the geotopes.