HerkimerHistory.com
This site was last updated on Novemebr, 2009

Quartz Crystal Habits within the Herkimer Diamond Mining distict*

Definitions and Scope:

The best website on "Herkimer Diamonds"

In the "Herkimer Diamond" deposits the crystals called "Herkimer Diamonds" are a mineral called quartz.  But the Herkimer Diamond deposits also contain quartz in a variety of other forms (or crystal habits).  Presented here are photographs of the variety of quartz crystal habits grouped under several categories.  Public support is needed for this page.

Small pyramidal quartz crystals called "druze":    ->
Single Herkimer Diamonds (and color changes):    ->
Herkimer Diamond groups - free standing:    ->
Skeletal & hopper crystals (and features):    ->
Herkimer Diamonds connected to other minerals:    ->
Twins and odd shaped quartz habits:    ->
A special "druze" here named "baby floater" druze:  ->
Just email the photo, attached as .jpg file, with a brief description ->
Please help with picture and
 research specimen donations!
Herkimer Diamond groups on matrix (host rock):    ->
Various inclusions, including scepters:   ->
Presented below are thumbnail versions of the photographs under each category.  You can click on "Link to Larger Photo Page" and see a larger picture with photo contact information and relevant comments.  
Photos of "in place pockets":    ->
"Baby Floater" pictures are here
Explanations for the wide variety of crystal habits, colors and textures must be accounted for in any theory that seeks to explain the formation of Herkimer diamonds.   It is important to view ALL the different shapes and habits that quartz takes within the Herkimer district as each shape has something to say about the history of Herkimer diamonds.  The information on this page will be combined with information from other pages to present a new and updated "History of Herkimer Diamonds"
A public service project always open to input  from the community interested in Herkimer diamonds.

Long prismatic crystals - Herkimer diamonds?:    ->

Click on the "Quartz Information Page" link  to find general background information on the various shapes of crystals.  Some of this information is scientific, but the pictures of the various crystal habits (shapes of the crystals) can be applied to the photos showing quartz from the Herkimer Mining District.
Also some very nice Herkimer photos ->
See also the page on inclusions below
Web page author - W. David Hoisington, Ph.D.
There are many more artistic photos of textures and features found on and in Herkimer diamonds: Click here ->
Prismatic "druze" ->
If you are looking for pictures of minerals other than Herkimer diamonds (like calcite or dolomite) click on the Minerals Page link.
There are many more fantastic photos of Herkimer diamond specimens done by Jeff Scovil:    Click here ->
"Blue" druze ->
"Snowball" druze ->

Smoky crystal of unusual habit ->

Black druze ->
Common druze - white and smoky
"Stick" druze ->
*A map showing the location of the district can be found on the front page.
Important Note:  The quartz within the Herkimer Diamond Mining District forms within distinct zones that have their own unique features.  Click here to see a discussion of these zones ->