Herkimer Diamond, Diamond Acres, Fonda, New York, USA
Size: 8.2x4.8x4.6
Species: Herkimer Diamond
Locality: Diamond Acres, Fonda, New York, USA
Description: This specimen consists of Herkimers on top of black pyrobitumen which is perched on druzy quartz with a dolostone matrix. A great example showing of the intriguing geology of this deposit.
Herkimer diamonds are high quality doubly terminated quartz crystals which come from the area around Herkimer county in New York. These quartz crystals are famous worldwide, sought after by collectors for their extreme clarity and sharp crystalline form.
There are a variety of localities within Herkimer county where Herkimer diamonds can be found. These particular specimens come from Diamond Acres adjacent to the town of Fonda. They were dug by a local collector over the past several decades dating back to the 1960’s. What sets the specimens from the Fonda area apart from other areas is the “black druzy” quartz which many of the specimens grow on top of. This adds a wonderful contrast in both color and texture to the specimens making them very recognizable.
The little falls dolostone formed approximately half a billion years ago from shallow sea sediments which deposited calcium and magnesium carbonates. These were then lithified into dolomite which contained pockets of acidic fluids. These vugs are where the Herkimer diamond crystals formed during burial which very slowly heated the rock. This slow heating process is responsible for the extremely high quality of the Herkimer diamonds. Many Herkimer’s showcase interesting inclusions of solids, liquids, gases, or multi phase inclusions.
Size: 8.2x4.8x4.6
Species: Herkimer Diamond
Locality: Diamond Acres, Fonda, New York, USA
Description: This specimen consists of Herkimers on top of black pyrobitumen which is perched on druzy quartz with a dolostone matrix. A great example showing of the intriguing geology of this deposit.
Herkimer diamonds are high quality doubly terminated quartz crystals which come from the area around Herkimer county in New York. These quartz crystals are famous worldwide, sought after by collectors for their extreme clarity and sharp crystalline form.
There are a variety of localities within Herkimer county where Herkimer diamonds can be found. These particular specimens come from Diamond Acres adjacent to the town of Fonda. They were dug by a local collector over the past several decades dating back to the 1960’s. What sets the specimens from the Fonda area apart from other areas is the “black druzy” quartz which many of the specimens grow on top of. This adds a wonderful contrast in both color and texture to the specimens making them very recognizable.
The little falls dolostone formed approximately half a billion years ago from shallow sea sediments which deposited calcium and magnesium carbonates. These were then lithified into dolomite which contained pockets of acidic fluids. These vugs are where the Herkimer diamond crystals formed during burial which very slowly heated the rock. This slow heating process is responsible for the extremely high quality of the Herkimer diamonds. Many Herkimer’s showcase interesting inclusions of solids, liquids, gases, or multi phase inclusions.
Size: 8.2x4.8x4.6
Species: Herkimer Diamond
Locality: Diamond Acres, Fonda, New York, USA
Description: This specimen consists of Herkimers on top of black pyrobitumen which is perched on druzy quartz with a dolostone matrix. A great example showing of the intriguing geology of this deposit.
Herkimer diamonds are high quality doubly terminated quartz crystals which come from the area around Herkimer county in New York. These quartz crystals are famous worldwide, sought after by collectors for their extreme clarity and sharp crystalline form.
There are a variety of localities within Herkimer county where Herkimer diamonds can be found. These particular specimens come from Diamond Acres adjacent to the town of Fonda. They were dug by a local collector over the past several decades dating back to the 1960’s. What sets the specimens from the Fonda area apart from other areas is the “black druzy” quartz which many of the specimens grow on top of. This adds a wonderful contrast in both color and texture to the specimens making them very recognizable.
The little falls dolostone formed approximately half a billion years ago from shallow sea sediments which deposited calcium and magnesium carbonates. These were then lithified into dolomite which contained pockets of acidic fluids. These vugs are where the Herkimer diamond crystals formed during burial which very slowly heated the rock. This slow heating process is responsible for the extremely high quality of the Herkimer diamonds. Many Herkimer’s showcase interesting inclusions of solids, liquids, gases, or multi phase inclusions.
