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The lustrous, transparent, doubly-terminated quartz crystals from mines around Herkimer, New York, called Herkimer diamonds, present a dilemma for collectors. They are quite brittle, and found in very tough silicified dolostone.
Crystals in matrix are more interesting and more valuable than crystals without matrix, so you generally don't really want to remove them.
Trimming is best done with a diamond saw, or a pressure trimmer. If you really want to just pop the crystals off, a hammer and chisel will do that just fine.
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How do you remove a herkimer diamond?
The beautiful clear colorless doubly terminated quartz crystals called "Herkimer Diamonds" found near Herkimer, NY, can very quickly be removed from their hard rock matrix with a hammer and chisel. A diamond bladed saw would ensure a greater likelihood of success; even little diamond blades on a Dremel or Foredom tool will do. (Protect your lungs and eyes!) Bear in mind that nice crystals in matrix are more interesting, and more valued by collectors than crystals that have been broken off the matrix.
Are herkimer diamonds real?
Yes, herkimer diamonds are real herkimer diamonds. From their Wikipedia page: "Herkimer diamond is a generic name for a double-terminated quartz crystal discovered within exposed outcrops of dolostone in and around Herkimer County, New York and the Mohawk River Valley." Chemically, they are different from diamond mineral, which is formed from carbon. Quartz is formed from silica, or silicon dioxide, SiO2, and is a common mineral on earth.
Where the diamond mine in the US?
Herkimer County, New York State
Where are Diamond Mines located in the US?
Herkimer County, New York State
Who cuts Herkimer Diamonds?
The same way any stone is cut, Herkimer diamonds are not diamonds, its a type of quartz.
How would you separate diamonds from Herkimer diamonds?
One way to separate diamonds from Herkimer diamonds is through their hardness. A diamond is the hardest mineral (10 on the Mohs scale), so it can scratch a Herkimer diamond (7.5-8 on the Mohs scale). Another way is through specific gravity testing, as diamonds have a higher specific gravity compared to Herkimer diamonds. Additionally, professional gemologists can use advanced testing methods to differentiate between the two based on their unique chemical and physical properties.
Where is the Historic Herkimer County Friends Of in Herkimer New York located?
The address of the Historic Herkimer County Friends Of is: Po Box 703, Herkimer, NY 13350-0703
When was John Herkimer born?
John Herkimer was born in 1773.
When did John Herkimer die?
John Herkimer died in 1848.
Where is the Herkimer County Historical Society in Herkimer New York located?
The address of the Herkimer County Historical Society is: 400 N Main St, Herkimer, NY 13350-1955
What are herkimer diamonds?
Herkimer diamonds are not actually diamonds but double-terminated quartz crystals found in Herkimer County, New York. They are known for their exceptional clarity, brilliance, and natural double-pointed shape, making them popular for jewelry and metaphysical purposes.
When was Herkimer County Courthouse created?
Herkimer County Courthouse was created in 1873.
