Herkimer Diamond Mines

Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc. is located in Herkimer County, New York. Diamond is actually a misnomer for the double-terminated quartz crystals mined here, which are believed to be over 500 million years old.

Double terminated crystals may have healing powers.

These gemstones are very unique because they come out of the ground appearing like a multiple-faceted, cut diamond. Real diamonds come out of the earth as very rough stones and must be cut in order to bring out the diamond’s beauty. A Herkimer diamond, however, is formed in the earth with a natural geometrical shape, giving it the appearance of having been cut by a jeweler. Because of this natural formation, many people value the Herkimer diamond over a real diamond.

There are many stories about how the first diamonds were discovered in New York. One of the most believable ones is how Revolutionary War hero, General Herkimer, heard of the discovery of a diamond field made by two of his soldiers. His plans to use the diamonds to help finance the War of Independence were quickly crushed when the diamonds were examined by a professional mineralogist, who spotted them as fake diamonds.

Until the recent past, farmers in the area believed these stones to be worthless. In 1955, a farmer opened the mines to public prospecting. Over the next few years, various people owned the mines. Eventually, a group of investors purchased the mines and began to develop it, complete with a gift shop and campground. The Mines was sold again in 1981. Today, Dr. Renée Scialdo Shevat owns and operates the Mines.

While Herkimer diamonds are officially classified as quartz crystals, they are in fact much harder than typical quartz. Diamonds are gauged for hardness based on the Mohs hardness scale of one to ten with ten being the hardest substance, and Herkimer diamonds rate higher than standard quartz, though they are softer than genuine diamonds.

Energy workers tout these unique crystals as having special healing properties due to the naturally-formed, double terminated points. It's been long held by those who work with crystals for healing purposes that this kind of crystal is able to receive energy through one end and then transmit it out the other. The double pointed crystal creates a powerful and constant energy flow that can then be used and directed to specific areas of the body.

Over 500 people visit the Mines daily so you’ll want to plan your visit by going to the official website. There you’ll discover quite a treasure since the Mines have been developed into a resort that your entire family can enjoy.

Quartz crystals can be lovely.

You can spend the night or a week or more at the Mines enjoying all the available amenities.

• Gift Shop: This 5,000 square foot store is considered the largest jewelry, rock, and gem store in the Northeast.
• Museum: Features dinosaur fossils, Herkimer Diamond Hall of Fame, Children’s Reading Room, and Herkimer Diamonds exhibit.
• Randy’s Court: Fossil program named after the dinosaur displayed in the museum.
• Award-winning KOA campground with 50 amp sites, camping, cabins, and cottages.
• Trout Fishing: Creeks and streams.
• Dining: Crystal Chandelier Restaurant, Diamond Café, and Prospectors’ Pavilion.

Determine what you want to do at the Mines before you visit to plan your budget carefully. There’s something for everyone in every price range.

Herkimer Diamond Mines has established an international reputation as a fun resort and a source for beautiful stones as more and more people are discovering the natural beauty of these unique quartz crystals.

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