HERKIMER DIAMOND.
Cosmic Life Support
Herkimer Diamonds are the powerhouses of the crystal world. They are cosmic life support, amplifying, and transmitting pure energy, great for those suffering from burn-out or exhaustion. If you need to hit the reset button on life or just on your energy levels then a Herkimer Diamond is the perfect companion.
The continuous in-out energy flow makes them great for vision work where you need to dip in and out of other dimensions. This type of energy flow also makes them popular with Reiki practitioners who use them for attunements, releasing energy blockages.
Herkimer Diamonds are soul connector crystals. When you are separated from loved ones, if each of you has one of these crystals then your souls will forever be connected.
Don’t be misled by the name, Herkimer Diamonds are not Diamonds (Carbon), they are a special double-terminated Quartz (Silicon Dioxide) crystal. This shape of Quartz crystal is found around the world, with Pakistan producing many great specimens, but to be called a true Herkimer Diamond then the crystal must come from the mines in Herkimer County, New York State, in the US. They have a pretty cool origin story. Over 500 million years ago, Herkimer County was underwater as part of a shallow sea. Over millennia, acidic water seeped into cavities creating pockets filled with these very special Herkimer Diamonds.
Herkimer Diamond with black hydrocarbon inclusions, from Herkimer County, New York, USA.
If you are lucky, you may find one of these beauties containing interesting things! For example, some contain “black sand” which is hydrocarbon created from fossilised sea creatures. Luckier still are water bubbles called Enhydros, sometimes with moving golden or black sand, a bit like an egg timer. If it has UV-reactive yellow petroleum inclusions, it may be a double-terminated Quartz from Pakistan or Madagascar, also known as Petroleum Quartz. There are many other sources of really cool double-terminated Quartz, such as France (often found in Septarian nodules), Spain, Mexico, and South Africa.
Double-terminated Quartz with yellow petroleum inclusions, Besalampy, Melkay, Madagascar.
Double-terminated Quartz with yellow petroleum inclusions, shown under UV light, Besalampy, Melkay, Madagascar.
DigYour Own
My fellow Rockhounds can visit the Herkimer Diamond surface mining sites and collect some of their own.
The largest operation is the Herkimer Diamond Mines, with camping, onsite accommodation, visitors centre, etc available: www.herkimerdiamond.com
For a more personalized experience, you can visit Diamond Mountain Mining who have an onsite B&B and do personal mining experiences: www.diamondmountainmining.com
More budget-friendly is Crystal Grove: www.crystalgrove.com
It is important to plan ahead for this activity, often you have to book in advance and take into account that the mining season usually runs from April to October and these places will not be accessible outside of those months.
Buyer’s Guide to Herkimer Diamonds
Private Buyers
When you are buying Herkimer Diamonds, look for quality. This means clean undamaged edges and points, a bit of sparkle, and a good shape. In other words - bling. You can spend anything from $/€15 for a small single crystal up to thousands for a spectacular piece. If the piece is graded then look for A Grade and above. Specimen collectors should aim for high-grade single crystals, and clusters, or for those who like things more raw, then a Herkimer Diamond still in its matrix is a fab addition to a collection.
Personally, I tend to go for Herkimer Diamonds which have a bit “extra.” I veer towards those with inclusions such as gold or black hydrocarbon sand inside them. And a enhydro Herkimer Diamond is on the wish list.
The name Herkimer Diamond is applied to crystals sourced from around the world, but only those from Herkimer County are meant to be called that. However, sellers know that this is also a bit of a generic marketing term for double-terminated Quartz so will often refer to these as “Herkimer style” or “Herkimer type” crystals many of which come from Pakistan. Some pockets from the Herkimer mines can produce crystals which look very Elestial Quartz in nature so you do need to check that these aren’t pieces from Brazil.
In summary, look for quality and verify the country (and place) of origin.
Some of the mines have their own retail websites but be aware some may not ship internationally and you don’t get to choose your piece. Check out Herkimer Diamond mines for single crystals, crystals in matrix, and jewellery items: https://herkimerdiamond.square.site/
If you are buying for spiritual practices and want a very balanced piece then try to find a Herkimer Diamond which has a pointed and a horizontal termination. This gives balanced male (point) and female (horizontal point) energy.
Retail Buyers
Most of the big mines in Herkimer Country sell wholesale. If you buy directly from them then you can give assurance to your customers that your crystals are indeed genuine Herkimer Diamonds. If you are pursuing ethically and sustainably sourced crystals then at least here you know you are buying directly from the source and that workers and land management has been done under US regulations.
Diamond Mountain Mining wholesale site: www.diamondmountainmining.com/shop/wholesale-minerals
Herkimer Diamond Mines. Wholesale inquiries email Diamonds@NTCNET.com or call +1 315-717-0175
Be aware that if you source your minerals from China, India, or Pakistan the chances are these will probably be local double-terminated Quartz despite what they are marketed as.
Quick Guide | Herkimer Diamonds
Zodiac: Herkimer Diamond is associated with the zodiac signs Leo and Sagittarius.
Ruling Planet: The ruling planet for Herkimer Diamond is Venus.
Chakra: Herkimer Diamond is associated with the Crown (Sahastrara) Chakra.
Element: Herkimer Diamond is aligned with the element Aether.
Crystal Charging: A Herkimer Diamond can be charged overnight under a Full Moon or in the darkness and magic of a New Moon. Placing Herkimer Diamonds on Selenite will also help to give them an energy cleanse.
Crystal Elixir: Herkimer Diamonds are safe for use in a crystal elixir. Bit of an expensive choice, but you do you.
Crystal Care: Herkimer Diamonds can be cleaned in warm (not hot to avoid a thermal shock) soapy water. You can also clean Herkimer Diamonds with a soft dry cloth.
The chemical formula for Herkimer Diamond: SiO₂