Clear quartz is a type of quartz crystal.
Herkimer quarts, also called "Herkimer diamonds," are not really diamonds at all but are a variety of clear quartz. Both clear and Herkimer quartz have a clear crystalline appearance and are collected and used in jewelry making. Though clear quartz and Herkimer diamonds look much the same and are made from the same materials, Herkimer diamonds differ from other clear quartz crystals in a few individual ways.
Locations and Mining
Herkimer diamonds can only be found in Herkimer County, New York. Herkimer diamonds are found within rocks that have been dated at 500 million years old, making the crystals equal to this age. Quartz is the most common mineral found on the Earth's surface and clear quartz can be found across the United States and the world. Arkansas, California, Arizona, Washington, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina all produce clear quartz for commercial use.
Appearance
Though both Herkimer diamonds and quartz crystals are made from clear quartz stone, they do have some variations in appearance. Herkimer diamonds are double-terminated quartz crystals which means that the crystal has two pointed ends. Clear quartz crystals can be double-terminated or single-terminated, depending on the variety. Some Herkimer diamonds also have liquid inside of them because of the way the crystals were formed millions of years ago.
Physical Properties
Herkimer diamonds rate a 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them almost as hard as diamonds which score a 10. Other clear quartz crystals are less hard than Herkimer diamonds. Both clear quartz and Herkimer diamonds are used in jewelry and are collected by rock collectors and enthusiasts but clear quartz is also mined commercially while Herkimer diamonds are not.
Spiritual Properties
In metaphysical circles, clear quartz is considered by some to be a harmonizing stone which enhances and purifies energy and thoughts. It is also thought to be a protective stone that can be used in healing and to communicate with spirits. Herkimer diamonds also assist with balance and help you to become attuned to your environment. Herkimer diamonds are purported to help with dream recall, to assist in addiction recovery and in the removal of spiritual toxins.
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