Quartz

specimen number:
1052669

location:
Middleville, Herkimer Co., New York, USA

description:
Neat historical example of this New York classic. A set of two loose gemmy colorless quartz crystals, the variety known as Herkimer diamonds, that comes with an antique label. Both are in good condition. The size provided is the size of the label as seen in the picture and video. The original acquisition date for this is 1908.

The Herkimer Diamond district of Middleville, New York, is world-renowned for its exceptionally clear, doubly terminated quartz crystals found within the Little Falls Formation. Geologically, these crystals formed approximately 500 million years ago during the Cambrian Period within vugs, or "pockets," of a magnesium-rich limestone known as dolostone. These pockets were created by the dissolution of ancient sea floor structures or stromatolites, which were later filled by silica-rich hydrothermal fluids that crystallized slowly to produce the characteristic water-clear, eighteen-faceted quartz. Historically, indigenous peoples were the first to find these crystals, but formal mining and quarrying for mineral specimens began in the late 18th century as the area was settled. Major commercial and tourist-oriented mining operations, such as those at the Ace of Diamonds and Herkimer Diamond Mines, became prominent in the mid-20th century and continue to operate through 2026. Unlike many industrial operations, the mining in Middleville has remained primarily focused on specimen recovery and recreational "prospecting," where enthusiasts use hammers and chisels to extract the crystals from the hard host rock. The site remains the premier global locality for this specific habit of quartz, celebrated for its high luster and natural geometric perfection.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.