Telling a Herkimer diamond from ordinary quartz can be a rocky process.
Herkimimer diamonds are not diamonds at all; they are quartz crystals that are set apart from other stones by a set of parameters that apply solely to Herkimer crystals. At a glance, it can be extremely difficult to tell a Herkimer crystal from an ordinary quartz crystal, but careful examination and familiarity with the qualities of a Herkimer diamond will make identification crystal-clear.
Instructions
1. Familiarize yourself with the origin of Herkimer diamonds to avoid confusion with ordinary quartz crystals. The Herkimer quartz stones were originally mined in Herkimer County of New York. True Herkimer diamonds come only from this region, but crystals with similar compositions have been mined in Arizona, Argentina, the Ukraine, China and Norway. A reliable vendor can tell you the origin of your stone. If you are trying to purchase an authentic Herkimer diamond, only purchase crystals that were mined in New York state.
2. Examine the ends of your stone and look for two distinct points of termination. Herkimer Diamonds naturally terminate at both ends of the stone, forming a diamond-shaped stone with an average of eighteen facets and two end points. Whereas a diamond or an ordinary quartz stone must be cut and polished into shape, most Herkimer stones need minimal effort to bring their brilliance to full light.
3. Observe any metaphysical strength that may emanate from your Herkimer Diamond. Those who believe in the healing energy of stones assert that Herkimer crystals are the strongest of quartz crystals and can induce everything from heightened extra-sensory perception to clearer chakras. While by no means a fool-proof test, see if your Herkimer crystal is stronger in any rituals or meditations than an ordinary crystal. Ask a friend to place each stone in a small pouch so you can blind-test your crystal's force.
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