Despite what its name indicates, the truth is that it is not a real diamond piece. Actually, the Herkimer diamond is a mineral belonging to the quartz family. It was found precisely in the Herkimer region, New York, United States.
It has a double pyramidal termination, where it is said to have a high energy crystal clear. It is a very rare, beautiful stone that normally has inclusions of various substances such as hydrocarbons and other minerals. Obviously, you have to be very careful not to fall victim to a scam, when they want to pass you off as a diamond.
In the market it is sometimes sold as a real diamond, since its resemblance is quite high. However, a good connoisseur of precious stones and semiprecious you will be able to distinguish between a quartz and a real diamond.
In conclusion, from this section, we can say that the Herkimer diamond is actually a variety of quartz and therefore it is also known as Herkimer quartz ; it can be said that it is a variety of transparent quartz.
Properties and characteristics of Herkimer quartz
The Herkimer diamond or Herkimer quartz it has characteristics and properties that make it unique among the group of quartz minerals, like this crystal its chemical composition is silicon dioxide, the color in which it typically occurs is smoked, sometimes white and transparent.
| Herkimer quartz diamond | Properties and characteristics |
|---|---|
| chemical classification | Silicate, Tectosilicate, Variety of quartz |
| Chemical composition | SiO2 |
| Color | colorless to smoky |
| Gloss | Vitreous |
| diaphanousness | Transparent |
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| crystal system | Hexagonal |
Its luster is vitreous and obviously its hardness on the Mohs scale is 7, making it a mineral that is quite resistant to wear and is chemically non-reactive.
The crystalline system is hexagonal, as can be seen in the photograph we have two samples of Herkimer quartz stones, one that is basically smoky with small gas inclusions and another that has a rather milky color very similar to white quartz.
Despite the fact that quartz is the most abundant mineral on the planet, the same is not the case with Herkimer variant. Even so, their physical structure is very similar. Its color is transparent, with white stripe, the vitreous luster and conchoidal fracture.
The level of hardness allows a correct treatment and carving in the jewelry, for which it serves and is used to create excellent pieces of jewelry.
Important deposits
As we already mentioned, this mineral is not as abundant as other types of quartz. In fact, the only place where it has ever been discovered in the region of Herkimer, New york, Where does your name come from. Clearly, other deposits or deposits are likely to exist globally, but perhaps not in such abundance.
Therefore, it is one of the most valued quartz on the market.
What makes Herkimer quartz special and unique?
In the image, in the upper right part we have a rock crystal, that is, a common quartz crystal, we observe that a normal quartz crystal, so to speak, has a pyramidal termination, also being an elongated prism; but the important thing is here at its base, as we observe these crystals tend to appear united, either among themselves or united to the box rock that contains them.
However the Herkimer diamond crystal We observed in the first instance that it has a shape that ends in dipyramids, that means that it ends in a pyramid both at the top and at the bottom of the crystal. No other variety of quartz occurs in the form of prisms ending in a double pyramid, only Herkimer quartz.
Besides, the Herkimer diamond stone is a quartz stone that tends to appear alone and generally does not appear attached to the rock of the box, that is, it does not form drusen.
Another very important characteristic of this gem is that it has very interesting inclusions within the crystal, which can be air bubbles, pyrite, petroleum, rutile, etc. More about inclusions will be explained below.
Inclusions within the Herkimer diamond
Now let’s learn about the inclusions that appear in Herkimer diamond mineral using the table below.
| Inclusions in the Herkimer quartz gem |
|---|
| Hydrocarbons (petroleum, oil) |
| Gases (Carbon dioxide, natural gas) |
| calcite |
| Dolomite |
| sphalerite |
| Dolomite |
| Pyrite |
The most common inclusions that this gem presents are hydrocarbons, gases (natural gas and carbon dioxide), calcite, dolomite, sphalerite, pyrite and sometimes rutile.
Hydrocarbon inclusions appear as greenish-yellowish oil-like stains within the mineral. These inclusions come from an oil-enriched or once-oil-bearing rock that was introduced into the Herkimer quartz during its crystallization.
Gas inclusions can be distinguished because they appear as whitish spots within the stone, usually giving a milky hue to Herkimer diamond crystal. While the inclusions of pyrite, sphalerite, and dolomite usually appear as spots of black and brown tones.
Herkimer diamond stone meaning
That type of gem is related to the harmonious energy, being ideal for creating a healing environment. It is also possible to associate this stone with other smaller specimens of high vibration. It is considered a healing stone and amplification, being equally powerful as conventional quartz.
It manages to absorb, store, regulate and release positive energy. Of course, all these affirmations are empirical, being qualities attributed by numerous cultures. The truth is that none of them have a duly studied scientific certification.
Magical properties of the Herkimer diamond gem
It is believed that this stone operates on all levels of the organism, that is to say physical, emotional and spiritual. It is much sought after in meditation to promote concentration. Of course, it is linked to healing properties, especially when harmonizing the chakras.
Uses of Herkimer quartz stone
As a collectible gemstone
Its applications as a talisman, amulet and meditation object are quite frequent. However, due to its great appeal and resemblance to the real diamond, it is used as one of the precious and semi-precious stones of collection.
Many mineral explorers go to New York where there are mines or land available to look for these gems to have them in their collection or even sell many of them because they are extremely rare and beautiful.
I have investigated and some of these individual stones can cost between 50 to 200 dollars each, obviously based on my opinion I would like to have a sample that has hydrocarbon inclusions or pyrite inclusions
It is also just as interesting that a Herkimer quartz mineral is terminated and double pyramidal, this is what makes it very special.
Uses in jewelry
Of course, it is also used in jewelry, where it becomes an excellent example for making all kinds of garments, rings, bracelets, chains, necklaces, pendants, charms, etc. can be created. In short, go to a jewelry store near your town and buy the Herkimer quartz, you will not regret.