Quartz, var. Herkimer Diamond

Herkimer Diamonds are a special variety of Quartz, found in Herkimer county, New York. The deposit occurs in dolomite (silicified limestone) and is incredibly difficult to break. Fossils are found alongside Herkimers, that further indicates a low temperature crystallization. Miners use heavy sledge hammers and chizels to remove many feet of overburden, to expose the pocket layer. Herkimers were named by General Herkimer in the mid 1800's. This particular piece is an excellent example. Often clusters of Herkimers are "reconstructed," this indicates that epoxy was used to re-connect the crystals, the way they naturally grew together. this cluster happens to be natural, meaning no epoxy has been used for reconstruction. The top two pics are in strong lighting, and the bottom two pics are in lower light. It is in remarkably good condition, and involves 5 distinct crystals growing together. It is easily displayed from several angles. It is slightly smoky, which is typical in larger herkimer diamond crystals.