Herkimer Diamond

Herkimer Diamonds are not actually diamonds, but are double-terminated quartz crystals that were discovered in and around Herkimer, New York. The “diamond” in their name is due to both their clarity and natural faceting—crystals possess double termination points, 18 total faces, and a diamond-like geometrical shape.

A true diamond found in nature would look like a rough, glass-like stone, and must be painstakingly cut to give it the famous smooth faces and a geometrical shape. With Herkimer diamonds, nature has done all of the work for us. Incredibly, these phenomenal gemstones are close to five hundred million years old.

It all began in a shallow sea, which was receiving sediments from the ancient Adirondack Mountains to the north. The calcium and magnesium carbonate sediments accumulated and lithified to form the dolostone bedrock. While buried, cavities were formed by acidic waters forming the vugs in which these quartz crystals grew very slowly.

This stunning specimen features a cluster of four Herkimer diamonds. One large, primary crystal is perched atop three smaller crystals. Completely uninterrupted, this specimen dons a 360-degree viewing capability. One can marvel at the optical clarity, smooth faces, sharp terminations, and incredible luster from every angle. This specimenis sure to instill a sense of wonder and amazement for nature in any on-looker.