Personal Consultation
By Diana Jarrett, Content WriterIntroduction to Herkimer Diamonds
Those of us entranced with gemstones are attracted to the more unusual stones—those with relatively fewer collectors. They have a lesser known story that we can recount to friends. They can also become a statement stone for us—they are as unique as we are. So when you hear someone ask “what is a Herkimer diamond?", you’ll have the right answer after you’ve already become a specialized collector.
What are Herkimer Diamonds?
Because Herkimer diamonds (sometimes referred to as Herkimer crystal) are more of a collector’s stone, you’ll actually be seen as a gemstone expert if you have one.
Herkimer diamonds, also referred to as Herkimer quartz or Herkimer crystals, are specific types of quartz crystals displaying a double-terminated configuration and polished-looking faces.
Did someone ask, “What are Herkimer diamonds? “
These specific quartz crystals were found after being seen in exposed outcrops of dolomite in and around Herkimer County, New York. They were also discovered around the Mohawk River Valley, upstate New York, to the west of Schenectady, New York.
Where are Herkimer Diamonds Found?
Their name is catchy—and it draws many jewelry lovers to the crystal. But in all reality, they are not real diamonds at all. They adopted the moniker "diamond" in their name because of their colorlessness, clarity and well-formed faces (facets). The very first discovery sites for these distinct gem minerals were in the village of Middleville and in the city of Little Falls, upstate New York. Collectors were drawn to these unusual crystals and the name stuck.
In the late 18th century, geologists came upon several exposed dolomites amongst Herkimer County outcroppings and began mining there. This led to the "Herkimer diamond" moniker. But these unusual double-terminated quartz crystals can be found in other parts of the world. But only those from Herkimer County, New York can be called Herkimer diamonds.
How to Find Herkimer Diamonds
Fortunately, if you’re just a bit adventurous, you can travel to Herkimer County, New York, and go on a personal search for Herkimer Diamonds. Nowadays, there are a few mines in the region that provide public access (for an entry fee) to their property. They will also help visitors know what to look for when scouting around the grounds for a Herkimer crystal of their own. Comfortable clothing and shoes are a must when looking around the mines. Some amateur rockhounds say it’s best to go in the spring (more mild weather) and after a good rain when the ground is softer and can reveal its hidden crystals. Be prepared to scavenge, which is the best part and don’t be too disappointed if you don’t find any crystals on the first time.
Herkimer Diamond Properties and Uses
Are they really diamonds? Of course, if one knows anything about genuine diamonds, it becomes easy to separate these two crystals. A quartz is a silica mineral with a Mohs hardness ranking of 7. A diamond, by contrast, is made of pure carbon and is the hardest known natural substance on Earth. Its Mohs ranking is 10. Nothing is harder.
Of course, Herkimer crystals are colorless. They range from completely without any body color to slightly smoky and transparent. Many gemstone fans love to collect natural crystals that are without color—as the poor man’s diamond. But they have their own charm and unique history.
Owing to their unique natural faces and the distinct double termination, they are often made into jewelry without any further polishing. They are quite dramatic. Those who ascribe to crystals as having unique traits associated with the metaphysical, healing arts and even meditation are drawn to Herkimer diamonds for their special appeal.
Learn more about the Color, Clarity, Carat, and Cut of Gemstones.
Herkimer Diamond Value and Worth
Many amateur miners find Herkimer Diamonds to resell. Many public sales platforms on the internet display Herkimer crystals for sale. Small ones may be as low as $30 to $50, but large complex crystals can also be offered for $1,600 or more. It all depends on how unusual and how large the crystal is. It’s certainly not unheard of to pay over $1,000 just for the natural crystals (and clusters) found in the earth.
For particularly beautiful specimens or Herkimer crystals set in fine jewelry, the sky’s the limit. It’s not uncommon to see such items start at $1,000. Over time, you’ll develop a sense of which crystals are rarer and more desirable to warrant the higher values.
There are a number of factors that contribute to Herkimer diamonds being sought after. The completely colorless variety is often the most valuable. Those with distinct smooth faces and prominent double terminals on each end will be coveted. The size matters—and for collectors (not so much for jewelry application) the large crystal groups of several shapes together are worth more.
Still, they are much more affordable than natural diamonds of equal size, for example. Those can be 50 times as much for the same size. And likewise, Herkimer diamonds offer a beautiful choice as an unusual natural gemstone without some of the jaw dropping price tags of say Tanzanite or fine emerald. They are a smart, and sophisticated natural gemstone choice.
They will always be a unique addition to a collector’s jewelry box. Their unusual natural configurations and their historic place of origin is what sets them apart from all other stones. Despite being a quartz material, they are easily recognizable by their stunning seemingly polished faces and chic form.
FAQ
Where are Herkimer diamonds found?
These striking natural gemstones were first discovered in Herkimer County, of upstate New York in the early 18th century when the United States was just a fledgling nation. But over the centuries, more digging in other locales has turned up these remarkable crystals. Still the gems can only be called Herkimer diamonds if they originate from the Herkimer County region of New York.
What are the uses of Herkimer diamonds?
Herkimer crystals and Herkimer diamonds are avidly collected for both jewelry uses and as collectible minerals in their natural state. They are also one of the natural crystals that are valued by folks who adhere to the metaphysical and healing arts, plus those who keep them close by for meditation purposes.
How much is a Herkimer diamond worth?
Depending on the size, the configuration, and how unusual the crystal is—they may be found for as low as $30-$50, all the way up to over $1,000. Since these are natural minerals, no two are alike and the vendors can set their own price on the lovely specimens.
What is the difference between Herkimer diamonds and real diamonds?
While both of these natural earth-mined crystals are completely genuine, there’s a big difference between Herkimer diamonds, which are a form of quartz, and genuine natural diamonds. Herkimer diamonds are a form of quartz, a silica material. Diamonds are a rare carbon-based gemstone and much more valuable.
What are the properties of black Herkimer diamonds?
Like many other natural earth-mined minerals, Herkimer diamonds can sometimes appear black or have black inclusions embedded in them. This is a fascinating natural occurrence common to most crystals. These distinct inclusions also help to identify the Herkimer crystal as a real Herkimer diamond.
The black inclusions may be something as likely as anthraxolite inclusions, which, when embedded, tend to make the whole crystal take on a black appearance.
Conclusion
Quartz is said to be the most abundant natural material on Earth. The silica-based mineral is found throughout the earth. When it is found with different trace elements of color, it can take on certain colors, depending on the minerals inside. Herkimer diamonds are actually a form of quartz.
In the case of Herkimer diamonds, these most unusual quartz crystals take their distinctive name from their crystal clear colorless formation—much like a high-quality diamond. A Herkimer crystal can also exhibit a transparent quality with a smoky tint. Moreover, their natural formation is quite captivating.
They have a double termination configuration on either end of the crystal, with completely smooth faces all around the crystal. That makes them look like they have already been polished, but they haven’t. They come out of the ground with this look. It makes them great candidates for jewelry that doesn’t need additional polishing and shaping of the stone. They can be set just as they are found in the earth.
While they are not true diamonds, Herkimer diamonds are a sought-after gemstone with a fascinating history and exceptional beauty. They are not common, which makes them even more coveted by jewelry fans. Someone will always ask, "What are you wearing, and what is a Herkimer diamond?"
Jewelry collectors and those ascribing to the healing arts and metaphysical practices have all become fond of this completely natural gemstone. Its fan base is legion!
