About Herkimer Diamonds

Created by geological activity hundreds of millions of years ago, Herkimer diamonds are the product of silica-rich sediment from the waters of an ancient sea. The compression of this sediment deep beneath the surface created a layer of dolomitic rock, into which acidic water leached in some places, creating voids. In these voids, known as “vugs,” immense heat and pressure and repeated intrusion/evaporation of silica-rich water enabled the formation of quartz crystals.

These crystals, later discovered in the Herkimer County area of New York, are unique not only due to their location, but also in their shape: They are naturally faceted, with 18 facets total, and are double-terminating (having two pointed ends), which is uncommon among quartz. This shape distinguishes them from actual diamonds, and the two also differ in hardness. Herkimer diamonds sit at 7-7.5 on the Mohs Scale, while diamonds are a perfect 10.

Like diamonds, Herkimer diamonds vary considerably in appearance. Many Herkimer diamonds feature inclusions of hydrocarbons like anthraxolite or petroleum and/or of minerals that confer different colorations: Reds (from hematite), yellows (from minerals or petroleum), and blacks (from minerals or hydrocarbons, e.g. anthraxolite) can all appear in these crystals. In rare cases, Herkimer diamonds can even contain pockets of water—such crystals are known as “enhydros.” (The water in enhydros may also contain visible traces of organic matter.)

The many shapes, sizes, and colors of Herkimer diamonds, as well as their ancient origins and cultural significance, see them employed in various uses today. Some Herkimer diamonds (especially smaller, water-clear crystals) are cut and set into jewelry. Others, especially “Golden Healers,” are applied to the bodies of people participating in spiritual healing practices for the purposes of pain relief, clearing the mind, treating chakras, etc. Yet others are used as focal objects for meditation. Some Herkimer diamonds even find themselves used as filter media in the production of alcohol—Crystal Head vodka, specifically.