HERKIMER DIAMOND

Herkimer Diamonds are actually a part of the quartz family and have a Moh’s hardness of 7; as compared to natural diamonds that have a hardness of 10, which is the hardest material on Earth. They are typically found to be double-terminated and short in their crystal structure and growth pattern. The double-terminated crystalline structure of Herkimer quartz tends to appear as a naturally faceted diamond gemstone, and for this reason it is often referred to as a “diamond”. Herkimer’s are found in Herkimer County, New York, USA, while additional localities of double-terminated quartz having been found in additional amounts globally. The most popular mining sites for Herkimer Diamonds are the Ace of Diamonds Mine and the Mohawk Valley Mine.

QUARTZ

Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral that is composed of silicon dioxide, or Si02. Behind feldspar, quartz is the most abundant mineral that is found within the Earth's continental crust. It is also the representative number of 7 on the Moh’s Hardness scale. Well-formed examples of the mineral will develop a six-sided prism that terminates with six-sided pyramid-like rhombohedrons at each end. Often, the mineral will develop twinned crystal habits and grow adjacent to one another, or form doubly terminated crystals that protrude out from a singular point and in both directions. Quartz most frequently develops as a result of molten magma, but it also chemically precipitates from hot hydrothermal fluids that inevitably find their way into a host rock’s vein structures and empty cavities. The largest quartz formations are most often found in magmatic pegmatites; here, well-developed crystals sometimes have the ability to reach up to 20 feet in length and weigh tens of thousands of pounds! For the record, the largest documented single crystal of quartz ever discovered was found near the Farm Otjua mine, of the Erongo region in the district of Karibib, Namibia; it stands approximately 11ft tall and weighs over 31,000 pounds! Additionally, the largest documented geode of amethyst (the purple quartz variation) is called The Enchanted Cave of Australia; it measures approximately 18ft in length and weighs over 44,000 pounds!

QUARTZ HISTORY AND USES

Quartz is one of the most varied of all minerals, developing on our planet for hundreds of millions of years and occurring in numerous forms, habits, and colors; several of which are considered gemstones, such as amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, and rose quartz. Since antiquity, quartz variations have been prized for their vibrance and durability, and as a result were commonly used in the making of jewelry and ornament. The Greeks referred to quartz as “krustallos”, from which the word crystal is derived; Krustallos is derived from the Ancient Greek “kruos”, meaning "icy cold"; The crystals likeness to clear water had led some philosophers to believe that the mineral was an unexplained form of permanently frozen or supercooled ice. This theory was popularized by many esteemed scholars, including the philosopher Theophrastus of Greece, a famed successor of Aristotle.

Quartz crystals are not only varied and beautiful, but also possess incredible scientific and industrial uses: One such use is the minerals piezoelectric properties- which is certain material’s ability to generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress. This ability for quartz to create its own energy output via friction upon its surface makes them incredibly useful in the application of keeping precise measurements of time; as a result, it is often used within the manufacture of many electronics, including common watches and clocks. Additionally, industrial uses of sandstone, which is comprised primarily of quartz, is regularly used as an important building stone. Furthermore, large amounts of quartz sand, also known as silica sand, are used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, as well as its use as an abrasive in sand paper, and as foundry molds in metal casting.

HERKIMER DIAMOND METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, Herkimer Diamonds tend to carry similar energetic properties and frequencies that are often associated with crystal quartz. A high vibrational crystal of energy and amplification, Herkimer Diamonds are an excellent facilitator of positive Life-Force energy flow, or Qi. It is said that Herkimer Diamonds can facilitate spiritual growth and release of excess energetic blockages, grounding its user while allowing them to more easily find their soul’s purpose and ultimate joy. The double terminated nature of the crystals is said to allow for positive energy influx, as well as energy cleansing, while the opposite end of the termination works to dispel negative energy away from the source. It is also said that Herkimer Diamonds are excellent crystals for clearing electromagnetic pollution and harmful or excess radioactivity.

Physically, Herkimer Diamonds are said to aid the body with detoxification and purification of vital organs, as well as aiding in cellular disorders and metabolic imbalances; along with additional physical benefits that are often associated with traditional quartz crystal.