DOUBLE-TERMINATED QUARTZ
HERKIMER DIAMOND
Herkimer Diamond Origin & Physical Properties
A misnomer, Herkimer Diamonds are actually double-terminated quartz crystals, originally found in outcrops of dolomite in the area of Herkimer County, New York. They were first discovered in the late 18th century when workers were excavating the Mohawk River valley dolomite deposits. The newly discovered crystals quickly took on the moniker “Herkimer Diamonds”, after their locality and naturally luster and remarkable clarity. The natural crystal facets often number 18, six on each termination and six facets around the center of the crystal.
Herkimer Diamonds began their slow growth around 500 million years ago in a shallow sea as rich deposits of calcium and magnesium carbonate leached down from the Adirondack mountains began to accumulate and form the dolomite bedrock known as Little Falls Formation. Slowly temperatures rose as crystals grew within cavities very slowly, leading to their exceptional clarity. Inclusions can be found in Herkimer’s Diamonds which help us determine their origin. Solids, salt water, petroleum and gases of carbon dioxide have all been found in abundance in different crystal samples. Black hydrocarbons are the most common inclusions.
“Herkimer Diamonds” of nearly identical properties have been found in other localities around the world including significant deposits in the Himalayan Mountains of Pakistan.
Category |
Properties |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition |
SiO2 |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5–7.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Specific Gravity | 2.6 to 2.7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.543-1.554 |
| Fluorescence | None |
| Crystal System |
Hexagonal |
| Diaphaneity |
Transparent |
| Color |
Colorless to smoky |
| Origin |
USA, (Similar in Himalayan Mountains) |
| Chakra |
Crown (7th) |
| Zodiac |
Sagittarius |
| Element | Water, earth |
| Metaphysical Effects | Uplifting, balancing, attuning, removes blockages |
Herkimer Diamond Healing & Metaphysical Properties
Herkimer Diamonds are amongst the most treasured of crystals in the metaphysical world. Their clarity and purity of light act as energetic amplifiers. Herkimer Diamonds are crystals of vision that can be used as guides to find one’s truth. They have a strong connection to the third-eye and will help to attune to one’s consciousness to a higher level, bringing clarity of thought and mind.
The third-eye is the seat of the pineal gland, what Descartes called the “seat of the soul”. By stimulating the third-eye, Herkimer Diamond can bring clarity when it is hard to see the trees from the forest. As the crystals aid to enter a deeper mediative state, new perceptions, ideas and inspirations will open doors to new realms.
Herkimer Diamonds are an excellent tool for those who want to enhance clairvoyant abilities and sharpen one’s intuition. Place a herkimer diamond on your third-eye while meditating to achieve maximum effect!
At Arkadia, we love to use Herkimer Diamonds as crystals to magnify the effect of other stones. The crystals focus and intensify the effect of gems they are used in combination with.
Herkimer Diamonds with black hydrocarbon inclusions bring an element of grounding to the stones, while “enhydro crystals”, Herkimer’s that contain pockets of water or gaseous liquids, are especially prized for their dynamic healing properties.
