Druze Quartz from Mines and Deposits in the Herkimer Mining District
The druze quartz is the second mineral introduced into the host dolomitic limestone rocks that are the birthplace of the Herkimer diamonds. It also
stops, changes,and then re-occurs, in a series of “phases” In adddition it takes on several different forms (habits, shapes) and colors. Examples of
the different types of druze quartz are shown in the slide show below. Descriptions of the “phases” are provided on the right and below.
Click on the button next - to see chalcedony
Phase 1 - the very first quartz crystal
event in the Herkimer Mining District. It
comes in the shape of tiny pyramid
points all connected as a layer, or
coating, in a cavity (or vug). Often it It
always forms a “rind” contact with the
host rock. Most often it is white.
Druze Quartz - Phase One
Druze Quartz - Phase Two
Druze Quartz - Phase Three
Druze Quartz - Phase Four: The Unusual “Seed Crystal” Coating
Phase 2 - this is the third quartz crystal
event (after chalcedony) in the
Herkimer Mining District and has a
form similar to phase one - but it is
almost always clear, smoky, or black
and never has a rind contact.
Sometimes this event will layer directly
over the first, making it hard to tell the
two apart.
Phase 3 - this druze is very different and
easy to identify by its elongated
prismatic form (thus named prismatic
druze). It also varies dramatically in
size, color, and frequency throughout the
district. It is likely the precursor to the
prismatic quartz (click link).
The last “druze” event in the Herkimer Mining District is a layer of very tiny Herkimer diamonds all cemented
together to make a druze. It is not a common occurrence to find this type of druze in contact with the host
rock. It is more common to find thousands of tiny Herkimer diamonds scattered over the surface of previously
deposited quartz. This will be illustrated on the “seed crystal” page (click button below):
Important note!
It is difficult to find specimens with multiple druze
phases represented and if you do it can be hard to
sort them out. It is also important to note that
these phases can look slightly different from one
mine to another. The photos represent the “best”
examples.
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Updated - 03/09/2019
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