Herkimer Diamonds are incredibly beautiful and desirable gemstones, which have been treasured for centuries. The stone is actually a double-terminated quartz crystal, and is found in Herkimer County, New York. It is highly sought after by jewelers and collectors, but it can be hard to tell if a Herkimer diamond is real or not. Fortunately, there are a few simple tests you can perform to determine if your Herkimer Diamond is genuine.
What Does a Herkimer Diamond Look Like?
A genuine Herkimer diamond is a quartz crystal with a unique double-terminated shape. It has 18 facets, and is usually clear or translucent in color. It can range in size from 1mm to 15mm, and can be found in a variety of colors ranging from white to yellow, green, blue, and even black. The stones can also have a variety of inclusions such as iron, mica, and other minerals. Herkimer diamonds are usually found embedded in dolomite or calcite.
The Scratch Test
One of the easiest ways to determine if a Herkimer diamond is real or not is to perform a scratch test. Genuine Herkimer diamonds have a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, which means they can be scratched by quartz (6.5 on the Mohs scale) or a steel file (7.5 on the Mohs scale). Take a quartz or steel file, and gently scratch the surface of the gemstone. If the stone is scratched, it is likely a fake. If it is not scratched, it is likely a genuine Herkimer diamond.
The Magnification Test
Another way to tell if a Herkimer diamond is real is to use a magnifying glass or microscope to examine the stone. Genuine Herkimer diamonds have a unique double-terminated shape and 18 facets, so use the magnifying glass or microscope to look for these features. If the stone does not have the correct shape or does not have 18 facets, it is likely not a genuine Herkimer diamond.
The Fluorescence Test
A third way to tell if a Herkimer diamond is real is to perform a fluorescence test. Genuine Herkimer diamonds are fluorescent under ultraviolet light, meaning they will glow in the dark. Shine an ultraviolet light on the stone, and if it glows, it is likely a genuine Herkimer diamond. If it does not glow, it is likely not a genuine Herkimer diamond.
The Hardness Test
A fourth way to tell if a Herkimer diamond is real is to perform a hardness test. Genuine Herkimer diamonds have a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, so use a hardness testing device to measure the hardness of the stone. If the stone is softer than 7 on the Mohs scale, it is likely not a genuine Herkimer diamond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Herkimer diamond?
A Herkimer diamond is a double-terminated quartz crystal that is found in Herkimer County, New York. It is highly sought after by jewelers and collectors, and is usually clear or translucent in color.
Is a Herkimer diamond a real diamond?
No, a Herkimer diamond is not a real diamond. It is a quartz crystal with a unique double-terminated shape.
How do you tell if a Herkimer diamond is real?
There are a few tests you can perform to determine if a Herkimer diamond is real or not. These include the scratch test, the magnification test, the fluorescence test, and the hardness test.
What color is a Herkimer diamond?
A Herkimer diamond can range in color from white to yellow, green, blue, and even black. It can also have a variety of inclusions such as iron, mica, and other minerals.
How hard is a Herkimer diamond?
A Herkimer diamond has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, which means it can be scratched by quartz (6.5 on the Mohs scale) or a steel file (7.5 on the Mohs scale).
Where are Herkimer diamonds found?
Herkimer diamonds are found in Herkimer County, New York. They are usually embedded in dolomite or calcite.
Are Herkimer diamonds expensive?
The price of a Herkimer diamond can vary depending on its size, color, and clarity. Generally speaking, Herkimer diamonds are not very expensive compared to other gemstones.
Can you wear a Herkimer diamond?
Yes, you can wear a Herkimer diamond as a piece of jewelry. However, because of its hardness, it needs to be protected from scratches and other damage.
Do Herkimer diamonds have spiritual meaning?
Many people believe that Herkimer diamonds have spiritual and healing properties. It is believed to help promote clarity and focus, as well as increase energy and balance the mind and body.
Are Herkimer diamonds rare?
Yes, Herkimer diamonds are considered to be rare and collectible. They are usually found embedded in dolomite or calcite, and can be difficult to find.
What is the difference between a Herkimer diamond and a diamond?
The main difference between a Herkimer diamond and a diamond is that a Herkimer diamond is a quartz crystal with a unique double-terminated shape, while a diamond is a mineral composed of pure carbon. Additionally, a Herkimer diamond is usually clear or translucent in color, while diamonds can come in a variety of colors.