Herkimer Diamond Quartz Crystal Natural Specimen
Herkimer Diamond is a naturally faceted, doubly-terminated quartz crystal known for its exceptional clarity and diamond-like brilliance. Unlike most quartz, these crystals grow with points at both ends and naturally smooth faces, so they sparkle without any cutting or polishing. Each piece is clear to slightly included, with the internal veils, bubbles, and mineral inclusions that are characteristic of these crystals and often prized as part of their character. Every crystal is natural and one-of-a-kind, so clarity, shape, and size vary from piece to piece.
Herkimer Diamond Features
- Naturally doubly-terminated quartz crystal (points at both ends)
- High clarity with natural diamond-like brilliance
- Naturally faceted faces, uncut and unpolished
- Characteristic internal inclusions, veils, and bubbles
- Roughly 0.75 to 1.25 inches, about 5 oz per piece
- Sold individually as one hand-picked crystal
Herkimer Diamond Benefits
Herkimer Diamonds have a brilliance unusual for natural quartz, since the combination of high clarity and naturally smooth facets makes them sparkle like cut gems straight from the ground. The double termination (a point at each end) is uncommon and makes them especially popular with collectors and for jewelry, since they catch light from every direction. Their small size and bright clarity make them a striking specimen on a shelf, a natural choice for wire-wrapped pendants, and an impressive little gift for anyone who loves crystals.
Herkimer Diamond Materials
Herkimer Diamonds are a variety of quartz (silicon dioxide), not actual diamonds, and the name comes from their brilliant clarity and the double-terminated shape. The original and most famous source is Herkimer County, New York, though similar doubly-terminated quartz crystals are found in other locations worldwide. They rate 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them durable. Natural inclusions such as internal veils, water bubbles, or black anthraxolite are common and typical.
Herkimer Diamond Usage Tips
- Clean with warm water and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly
- Durable at 7 Mohs, well suited to jewelry and regular handling
- Hold up to light to see the clarity and any internal inclusions
- Handle the terminations with some care, as fine points can chip
- Store apart from softer stones, since quartz will scratch them
Disclaimer
Size, shape, clarity, and inclusions vary from the photos. Each Herkimer Diamond is a natural crystal, so no two pieces are identical.
