Herkimer Diamond: A Rare Gem Indeed
This is a sterling silver and Herkimer diamond butterfly I made quite a few years ago. I like it because it has 4 of my favorite crystals and it always makes me feel so happy to look at it!
If you don't know about Herkimer Diamonds they are actually a rare form of quartz found only in central New York State (U.S.A) and they are harder than normal quartz--scoring a 7.5 on the hardness scale. They are renowned for their clarity and energetic properties. They are also double-terminated (points on both ends) such as with the crystals in this butterfly. They are naturally facetted with 18 facets and do not need to be cut into shape like true diamonds.
The crystals are near 500 million years old, and there are many kinds of "special" Herkimers including twins, clusters, tabulars, smokies, skeletals, and phantom crystals. Some crystals contain black specs of ancient decayed plant matter called anthraxolite. You can see these present in the crystals pictured below. A truly rare find (of which I have none) are those that actually contain a bubble of ancient water inside them. There are even some that have anthraxolite floating inside the bubble, which to me is truly spectacular!
These crystals are highly valued and I have found them in many crystal shops scattered all over the United States. Though, shops usually only have a couple of them. Next time you're in a crystal shop, see if they have any of these rare beauties and check them out.
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I love gemstones and rocks. I find a few things just here in my yard and the little creek. Twin smokey quartz crystals, glaciated quarts tips and one that is the size of my palm, with a beautiful piece of mica trapped in the center.
Those I found when we cut in the driveway onto my land. We have a lapidary not far from here, but I love them in their natural state.
Nice! Sounds beautiful. I also typically prefer crystals in their natural state. They just "feel" better. I get kind of bummed when I go into a crystal shop and they have mostly tumbled stones. Just not the same.
Yes, I do know what you mean.
Wow, that's awesome!
Never heard of such a thing.
Ha! You are a goose @akrid.