This ring features a Herkimer diamond, which is not a diamond but a double-terminated quartz crystal (SiO₂) found primarily in Herkimer County, New York. These quartz crystals formed around 500 million years ago in dolostone and are prized for their exceptional clarity and natural faceting.
Features:
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Composition: Silicon dioxide (quartz), with natural double terminations and occasional inclusions of hydrocarbon or other minerals.
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Appearance: Clear, glassy crystals with naturally occurring faces that resemble cut gemstones; often found with exceptional clarity and brilliance.
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Formation: Developed in cavities within dolostone through slow crystallization in silica-rich fluids, often under low-temperature conditions.
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Physical Properties: Durable and hard (Mohs hardness 7), with a naturally faceted crystal habit that mimics the appearance of cut diamonds.
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Educational Value: Offers insight into crystallography, natural mineral faceting, and the geologic history of sedimentary rock environments.
A Herkimer diamond ring combines geologic precision and natural beauty, showcasing a rare quartz formation with both scientific and visual appeal.
