mineral
Herkimer Diamond (Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colorless or smoky/purplish tint, vitreous to adamantine luster, trigonal crystal system with a distinctive doubly terminated crystal habit, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colorless or smoky/purplish tint, vitreous to adamantine luster, trigonal crystal system with a distinctive doubly terminated crystal habit, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in exposed dolostone rock cavities through low-temperature precipitation from silica-rich solutions, often estimated to be around 500 million years old (Cambrian period).
Uses & applications
Used in high-end jewelry, metaphysical healing collections, and scientific research.
Geological facts
Despite the name diamond, these are actually exceptionally clear, double-terminated quartz crystals discovered in Herkimer County, New York. They naturally possess 18 crystal faces.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by their natural double termination and exceptional clarity. Found primarily in New York State, USA, these specimens are prized by collectors for requiring no cutting or polishing.
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