mineral
Herkimer Diamond
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to smoky, Luster: Vitreous/Adamantine, Structure: Hexagonal (doubly terminated), Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, SG: 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Explore Herkimer Diamond in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to smoky, Luster: Vitreous/Adamantine, Structure: Hexagonal (doubly terminated), Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, SG: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in Dolostone cavities (vugs) approximately 500 million years ago during the Cambrian Period. Slow cooling allowed for double termination.
Uses & applications
Collecting, jewelry, and metaphysical use. Valued for its natural diamond-like clarity and shape.
Geological facts
They are not actually diamonds; they are double-terminated quartz crystals. They were first discovered by settlers in Little Falls, New York in the late 18th century.
Field identification & locations
Look for double-terminated points in Dolostone host rock. Found primarily in Herkimer County, New York and surrounding areas.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary