Thursday July 19, 2007

I went hunting for Herkimer Diamonds this weekend on my way to and from visiting a friend in western New York. Hermiker Diamonds aren't real diamonds; they are doubly-terminated quartz crystals sought after by mineral collectors.

There is something very elemental and fun about sitting in a rock pit smashing open rocks with a hammer to reveal well-formed, free-floating crystals nestled in little vugs within the rock matrix. Here are two photos showing crystals I found in this manner.

I visited both the Herkimer Diamond Mines and the Ace of Diamonds Mine, which are located next door to each other on Rt 28 in Herkimer, NY. Herkimer Diamond Mines is the more upscale of the two businesses, featuring a nice mineral museum and an extensive mineral shop. Ace of Diamonds was more rustic and I think caters to a more serious crowd of "miners". It has a basic general store and offers a wider selection of tools for rent.

Regardless of which establishment you choose, you will eventually find yourself either pounding on a pile of rocks or, if you have more time and are more serious, trying to hammer, chisel and pry your way to discovering a mineral pocket in the ledge visible at both sites.

Bring your own tools if you like, and definitely bring safety glasses.