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The Dynamic Interaction of Quartz Bearing Solutions
with Hydrocarbon Bearing Solutions - Spheres
and Curved Objects
There is considerable evidence that hydrocarbons were present when the various types of quartz crystals were growing in the Herkimer Mining District.  On this web page the focus is on microscope photography of features seen at the boundary between quartz and hydrocarbon specifically examination of spheres and curved features.  These represent the best evidence.
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The information, and photography, on this website is copyright protected by W. David Hoisington, Ph. D. unless another author/photographer is cited.
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Microscope Evidence
When a Herkimer diamond grows it can grow in direct contact with hydrocarbons and the form of the quartz changes in the in response to being adjacent to the hydrocarbons during its growth. On this web page the focus is on spheres and curved objects found at the quartz - hydrocarbon contact. Sometimes these curved objects are inclusions within Herkimer diamonds, Often they are small and require special photographic equipment in order to acquire decent images.
Crystal frost is commonly in association with spheres and curved objects. Photographic evidence of “crystal frost” was presented at the Herkimer Festival, July 2016 and recently expanded upon (2018).  See the Crystal Frost Page The crystal frost photos shown here will include curves and domes.
Updated - 03/09/2019
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This research on the boundary has become more focused (2017-2018). Instead of investigating all types crystal frost phenomena, the investigations have focused on curved objects.  It is assumed that these curved objects can be more easily attributed to the quartz-hydrocarbon boundary. Slide being developed currently..
The Spheres and Curved Objects Research Project:  This research began with the discovery of quartz spheres within the Herkimer Mining district.  All of the curved quartz objects examined thus far occur at the quartz-hydrocarbon boundary.  Their curved form, and the curved crystal frost which is often associated, suggest that the hydro- carbon and the quartz interacted with each other during the growth of the Herkimer diamonds.  More evidence will be shown in the slide show.
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Spheres and Curved Object
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