Best Website for Herkimer Diamond Information
Last Updated:
About this Webpage:
Free Website Where Herkimer Diamond Enthusiasts Share Information with the Public
Scroll down
Dr.C. did two talks at the Herkimer Diamond Festival (July)which are in a Youtube movie. The research on the Herkimer District is in need of samples and photos.
How can you help? Visit the "how to help" page.
There is evidence in the Herkimer mining district that prior to the formation of Herkimer diamonds there was the formation of individual prismatic crystals. The most obvious example of the distinct difference in these two quartz events is in the formation of scepters, as shown in the photo on the right (see also inclusion page). The long black prismatic crystal grew and then was capped by the Herkimer diamond episode.
This prismatic episode appears to be quite variable accross the district. Below are some examples.
W. David Hoisington, Ph.D.
The photos here serve as examples of the prismatic episode of quartz formation in the Herkimer district. In each instance note the elongated, prismatic, habit of the quartz.
Photo 1: From the HBQ, 1.2 cm crystals on dolomite showing the classic elongation. Photo Dr.C. 2009.
Photo 2: Fresh out of the ground at TCR, 3 cm long. Note the parallel growth. Photo Dr.C., 2009.
Photo 3: Clearly seen here is the elongated prismatic phase (which in this case is black) capped by the Herkimer Diamond phase.
Photo 4: Unusual termination for the prismatic phase. Rich smoky color.
With more photo and specimen contributions, it will be possible to expand the evidence on this page.
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
July, 2011