Millstone quarry at Hasenbach

At the millstone quarry on the Hasenbach stream, a heavily weathered rock of Kemmlitz porphyry offers a glimpse into Earth's history. Volcanic activity in the Kemmlitz area occurred approximately 290 million years ago, 4 million years after the formation of the porphyry rocks of the Rochlitz mountain.

The Kemmlitz porphyry, originally a light pink color due primarily to the mineral feldspar, became porous and deeply white through weathering. This white coloration resulted from the formation of the clay mineral kaolinite during the feldspar weathering process. In hundreds of thousands of years, this rock will transform into kaolin clay, which has been mined in the open-pit mines around Mügeln for about 150 years.

Archaeological investigations have shown that Kemmlitz porphyry from the millstone quarry in Sornzig was already used in the 10th century for the production of hand millstones.

For safety reasons, please keep your distance from the rock face!

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