mineral
Herkimer Diamond
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Colorless or transparent. Luster: Vitreous to adamantine. Crystal structure: Trigonal, doubly-terminated crystals with 18 crystal faces. Cleavage: None. Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless or transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous to adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Colorless or transparent. Luster: Vitreous to adamantine. Crystal structure: Trigonal, doubly-terminated crystals with 18 crystal faces. Cleavage: None. Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in exposed dolostone rock pockets via silica-rich groundwater precipitation during the Cambrian period, approximately 500 million years ago.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, spiritual healing practices, crystal collections, and sometimes in precision scientific equipment.
Geological facts
Despite the name diamond, they are actually exceptionally clear and brilliant quartz crystals found naturally with double terminations and exceptional clarity.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by their naturally faceted, doubly-terminated points and exceptional clarity, primarily found in Herkimer County, New York.
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