"Herkimer Diamond" Quartz. Herkimer Diamond Mine, Middleville, Town of Newport, Herkimer Co., New York, USA. 9.9 x 8.3 x 4.9...

Description

"Herkimer Diamond" Quartz
Herkimer Diamond Mine, Middleville, Town of Newport, Herkimer Co., New York, USA
9.9 x 8.3 x 4.9 cm (3.88 x 3.26 x 1.92 in)

The phrase "Herkimer Diamond" comes not from the species (this is not a diamond!) but rather the resemblance of the Herkimer County Quartz crystals to Diamond gemstones. This is because of the sharp faceted quality of the Quartz from this area. The crystals are doubly-terminated, with large pointed terminations and very shortened prisms in the centers, almost like a Beta Quartz habit. The crystal size varies, but this particular specimen has very large complete crystals, with the largest being a hefty 7 centimeters from tip to tip. As the name alludes to, the clarity and luster of this cluster is excellent: glassy on the outside, and extremely transparent throughout. This transparency allows one to see the small but sparky petroleum inclusions within the crystal, which glow yellow under a UV blacklight. The composition of the Quartz is also excellent: there is a good mix of large and small crystals, and they're arranged in a pleasing manner, with great balance all around. The condition is great, with only minor chattering on some edges. There are, as expected, two repairs, basically requisite for this particular material.

From The John Farmer Collection.

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