Exceptional Herkimer Diamond Cluster On Druzy Quartz

This is an exceptionally nice, cluster of clear "Herkimer Diamonds" in a dolostone matrix from the Crystal Grove Mine, near Lasselsville, New York. . The matrix has a beautiful, dusting of druzy quartz which really gives this specimen some sparkle. Most people are used to seeing Herkimers free of the matrix, so these ones in matrix are very interesting specimens. This is the best specimen from a lot mined this summer which I acquired.

Herkimer diamonds are not actual diamonds, but rather double terminated quartz crystals found in and around Herkimer County, NY. The diamond in the name is from not only their exceptional clarity, but also from the natural facets they display when found. Only crystals with these qualities found in Herkimer County, New York can be called "Herkimer Diamonds". Similar double terminated quartz crystals have also been found in abundance in Tibet and Afghanistan, but these are not true Herkimer Diamonds.

The geologic history of these crystals began 495 million years ago in a shallow sea. Waxy organic material along with quartz sand and pyrite was encased in rock made of dolomite and calcite. As sediment buried the rock and temperatures rose, crystals grew very slowly, resulting in quartz crystals of exceptional clarity. Inclusions can be found in these crystals that provide clues to the origins of the Herkimer diamonds: solids, liquids (salt water or petroleum), gases (most often carbon dioxide), two- and three-phase inclusions, and negative (uniaxial) crystals.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Quartz
LOCATION
Crystal Grove Mine, Lasselsville, New York
SIZE
Largest Crystal .87", 1.86x1.24"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#34053