mineral
Herkimer Diamond
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colorless or transparent, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system with double termination and 18 total crystal faces, specific gravity of 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colorless or transparent, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system with double termination and 18 total crystal faces, specific gravity of 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in exposed dolostone rock pockets during the Cambrian period, approximately 500 million years ago, through the precipitation of silica-rich fluids
Uses & applications
Used in high-end jewelry, crystal healing collections, and scientific study of inclusions
Geological facts
Despite being called diamonds, these are exceptionally clear quartz crystals naturally faceted with double terminations found primarily in Herkimer County, New York
Field identification & locations
Identified by their exceptional clarity and natural double-terminated shape without human intervention; commonly mined in upstate New York
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