Meaning & symbolism
Herkimer diamonds are quartz crystals, with no relation to real diamond, found in small cavities (vugs) in the Cambrian Little Falls Dolostone of Herkimer County and the Mohawk River valley in New York. Silica-bearing fluids grew them slowly and freely, so many finish with a point at each end and show eighteen faces. Inclusions of black anthraxolite (a solid hydrocarbon) and occasional fluid pockets with a moving bubble are common. Double-terminated quartz from Pakistan and China is often sold under the same name.
Healing properties
Geology
- Quartz, SiO2, trigonal
- Hardness 7
- Double-terminated, 18 faces
- Found in vugs of the Little Falls Dolostone, New York
- Inclusions of anthraxolite and fluid
How to use it
Traditionally held at the crown or third eye in meditation, kept by the bed for dream work, or paired with another stone it is said to amplify, most famously moldavite. These are traditional uses, not medical advice.
Cleansing & care
Mohs 7, no cleavage. A quick rinse in cool water is fine; avoid sudden temperature changes, as crystals with fluid inclusions can crack from thermal shock. Keep its points away from softer stones such as moldavite, which it will scratch. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
