How Much Are Herkimer Diamonds Worth? Are They Just Pretty Rocks?

As Herkimer diamonds piggyback on their distant doppelganger’s eminent name, their popularity keeps surging. But, how much are Herkimer diamonds worth? 

Unbeknown to many, Herkimer diamonds get their name from the striking resemblance to diamonds due to their double-terminated structure.

Therefore, they’re not real diamonds and are also quite affordable, contrary to a real diamond’s value.

Diamonds comfortably sit at the top of the hierarchy as the epitome of gem superiority, durability, and exalted elegance. However, humans are still on a quest to unearth the treasures of the earth’s crust.

Perhaps a new undiscovered gem may dethrone the millennia-old kingpin and covet its title someday.

In this article, we answer whether Herkimer diamonds are valuable or worth anything, highlight their history, and provide information on where to mine, sell, and buy Herkimer diamonds for first-timers.

How much are Herkimer diamonds worth?

The price and worth of a Herkimer diamond are based on various factors, such as size and grade after appraisal.

Herkimer diamond grades range from AAA to D with AA being the highest grade and D the least one.

For example, a large AAA Herkimer diamond may sell for $300 or as high as $1500, depending on its structure and uniqueness. Smaller grade D Herkimer diamonds may cost as little as $5.

What are Herkimer diamonds and why are they special?

A Herkimer diamond isn’t an actual diamond. Still, it befits an entry-level ‘ace of diamonds’ title because of its natural sparkle.

It is a not-so-new dazzling crystal with striking clarity and double-terminated points, which give it a unique appearance.

Unlike quartz, which boasts a single terminated point, Herkimer’s dual points highlight its brilliance and allow it to proudly showcase 18 natural facets.

With six faces on each termination point and the remainder around the center, this attribute gives faceted Herkimer diamonds a raw, dazzling clarity similar to faceted cut diamonds.

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Herkimer diamonds vs. regular diamonds: What’s the difference?

Knowing the differences between herkimer diamonds vs. regular diamonds can teach you why it is not an actual diamond:

Hardness

A Herkimer has a Moh scale of hardness of 7, while an actual diamond has a solid 10, which is the highest on the scale.

An actual diamond is the toughest naturally occurring substance on earth; only a real diamond can scratch another.

In addition, a diamond surpasses the second-hardest mineral by 58 times!

With a Herkimer trailing on a 7, a diamond may beat it in hardness thousands of times or more.

A Herkimer may be susceptible to wear and abrasion, while a real diamond’s structure safeguards it from abrasion.

Mining location, costs, and cut

While both minerals were formed millions of years ago, a Herkimer is found above the ground surface, and a real diamond is mined deep below the earth’s surface.

Raw diamonds require polishing to achieve their superb smooth facets and clarity.

At the same time, Herkimers typically don’t undergo treatments or polishing to attain their shape, multifaceted structure, or clarity.

Unlike real diamonds, Herkimers are also less inexpensive.

Where do you find Herkimer diamonds?

Herkimer diamonds get their name due to their native place of discovery, Herkimer County, New York.

Quartz crystals with double-sided points, such as Herkimer, can also be found in Norway, Afghanistan, China, and Arizona.

However, they’re not called Herkimer since the name is exclusive to New York Herkimer diamonds.

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Mining Herkimer diamonds: A fun family adventure

Most of us loved playing hide and seek whilst growing up, but what if you rekindle this childhood memoir by trying out a unique hide and seek with mother nature?

What if you consider a fun weekend Herkimer mining getaway with your loved ones in specific Herkimer County mines between April and October every year?

That sounds tempting, right? That’s not it yet.

You can keep whatever you find as keepsakes, sell them, or make jewelry.

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How to find Herkimer diamonds like a pro ‘Herkimer digger’

A significant clue to finding these sparkly gifts from mother nature is knowing that they exist in cavities known as vugs in the dolostone rocks.

Vugs can form a couple of feet across and appear smaller than peas.

You may use these techniques to find Herkimers:

Seek & find method

To mine Herkimer like a pro, you can identify cavities in the dolostone rocks and crush them with a heavy sledge or rock hammer.

If chance favors you, the dolostone might reveal several herkimers at once. But it’s no mean feat.

Dolostone is quite hard, and this may seem daunting. However, it is a labor of love, and the more you keep finding the gems, the more motivating it gets.

Some mining areas may require miners to shift to different areas every week if they’re mining for longer than a week.

Scavenger hunting

Here’s a method where the means justifies the end.

As the name suggests, it involves searching for Herkimers in debris piles with hopes of successful finds.

This method is popular among friend mining groups because it makes a Herkimer mining trip thrilling and competitive.

Although you may find small Herkimer crystals using this technique, they’re often high-quality.

Scavenger hunting is also appropriate for kids over 4. If you’re seeking a family-friendly weekend getaway activity, add herkimer scavenging to your list.

What to bring on your Herkimer mining getaway

For a successful mining expedition, you may bring specific tools for your first Herkimer mining getaway.

While you can rent equipment such as sledge or rock hammers at specific mining sites, you may also carry extra equipment and safety gear.

Extras

Basic requirements include closed-toe shoes, safety eyewear, and gloves.

Equipment such as buckets to keep your Herkimer finds may also be appropriate, such as small shovels for shoving away rock debris piles, chisels, and sledgehammers not exceeding 12 lbs.

If you plan to rent hammers at some sites, ensure that you carry your license or ID. After you return the rented equipment, you’ll receive your ID or license back.

Lastly, you’ll need ticket fees to find or scavenge the mines with your friends and family. The ticket prices may include bags for collecting the Herkimer diamonds.

More info

The mining sites often give further instructions before you set out for the mines. Ensure to check on the mining site you plan to visit to familiarize yourself with the checklist requirements.

The mining sites may be closed for safety reasons in harsh weather, such as rain, thunderstorms, sleet, and snow.

Are all Herkimer diamonds valuable? Finding the best ones

Are you wondering whether your Herkimer diamond finds are worth anything or valuable?

Typically, raw uncut Herkimer crystals still attached to dolostone(host rock) are highly sought after, unlike separated ones.

Remember that tip as you prepare to hunt and find your herkimers in the rough during your site visit.

Other highly sought-after Herkimer crystal types include:

Twins

The twin’s term refers to Herkimer, often similarly sized and attached.

Anthraxolite

Anthraxolite herkimers comprise blackish decayed plant material within the crystal and look like coal.

Enhydros

Enhydros are Herkimer diamond crystals that contain anthraxolites within the water bubbles. They may cost as much as five times the price of plain Herkimer diamonds.

An enhydro’s appraisal relies on a crystal’s floating bubble size and visibility.

This inclusion backdates their formation to 500 million years ago, upholding an enhydro as an incredibly rare and lucky treasure.

Clusters

Like stars, clusters of herkimers consist of a trio or more groups of crystals that form together.

Like popular night sky star clusters like the Pleiades, Herkimer crystal clusters are sought after because they make exquisite showpieces and statements, such as decor.

Phantoms

Phantom Herkimer diamonds are incredibly rare. They boast tiny, at times microscopic crystals within the host quartz crystal.

Smokies

Smokies are often greyish-black and occur when anthraxolite is evenly present in a Herkimer crystal.

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How much are Herkimer diamonds worth?Herkimer diamonds grades

Large Herkimer diamonds with exceptional quality are rare and retail for high market prices.

Collectors seeking to buy herkimer diamonds can pay for high-grade AAA crystals for high prices. Here are the grades that may predetermine Herkimer value besides size:

Herkimer diamonds grade AAA

This category features exceptionally rare and most sought-after hard-to-find herkimers, especially in larger sizes.

They’re typically super brilliant and boast a high refractive capability besides having no visible inclusions, cloudiness, or scratches under the naked eye’s view.

Collectors and crystal connoisseurs may covet AAA herkimer grades to make high-end jewelry such as rings and pendants.

Herkimer diamonds grade AA

Grade AA crystals boast minimal to no inclusions, cracks, scratches, or fogginess that can be seen with the naked eye.

Since Inclusions are minimal, AA Herkimer is also highly clear. It is almost flawless and is most often used for jewelry designs.

Herkimer diamonds grade A

Grade A Herkimer is typically 90% good. It may have minor inclusions or fractures, but it possesses high clarity and both termination points.

Herkimer diamonds grade B

Grade B Herkimer typically contains greater flaws, such as a slightly damaged termination point, more attachment scratches, and inclusions. These Herkimers are clear and sparkly.

Herkimer diamonds grade C

The second last grade consists of Herkimer diamonds with intense fogginess, bigger marks and other inclusions.

This Herkimer class can also lack crystals or at least one damaged termination point.

Herkimer diamonds grade D

The lowest Herkimer diamond grade features crystals that mostly lack both termination points, are highly cloudy, have large inclusions, and have scratches.

Herkimer diamond jewelry: A unique gift idea

In 2018, Meghan Markle donned Herkimer diamond jewelry at her husband’s cousin, Princess Eugenie’s wedding.

Kim Kardashian’s former husband, Kanye West, also gifted her Herkimer jewelry to foster good feelings during their KUWTK reality show premiere in season 16.

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How to use Herkimer diamonds in jewelry designs

Here are some inspirational ideas to transform Herkimer quartz into jewelry:

• Pendants: You can make a stunning pendant using a single Herkimer diamond or by grouping smaller crystals on a chain or cord. It’s the perfect way to add sparkle to your everyday look.

• Earrings: Herkimer diamonds can be used as dangles in earrings, paired with other crystals or metals to create a unique look. Their dazzling sparkle will undoubtedly turn heads when you step out.

• Rings: For everyday wear, you can set a Herkimer diamond quartz as a solitaire or accent crystal in a ring.

• Bracelets: Beautify your wrist with a custom-made statement piece featuring a series of Herkimer diamonds on a chain or cord. You may pair it with a wristwatch, just as a Van Cleef bracelet looks exquisite alongside a watch.

Where to sell and buy Herkimer diamonds

You can sell herkimer diamonds in various places, such as listing on online marketplaces. For instance, an Etsy shop.

Besides, you may also sell to local jewelry shops or crystal collectors for extraordinarily rare large-size AAA Herkimer.

To buy Herkimer diamonds, you can check out local and luxury jewelry stores, social media marketplaces, Amazon, or Etsy.

However, beware of untrustworthy sellers and only buy from reputable sellers.

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Metaphysical properties of Herkimer diamonds

Spiritualists allege that Herkimer diamonds have metaphysical properties besides being used for jewelry, including a relieving pain effect and an immune system stimulant.

In addition, they believe that herkimers have a purifying capability that detoxifies and eliminates negative feelings.

The Takeaway

Herkimer diamonds continue to captivate the hearts of gem enthusiasts, sentimentalists and adventurers alike.

As you prepare to venture into Herkimer diamond mining as a first-timer, you’ll discover a realm where patience, persistence, and a dash of luck come together to reveal the hidden treasures beneath the earth’s surface.

The thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of unearthing a unique crystal, and the connection to the natural world all contribute to an experience that’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

They’re not just pretty rocks but a testament to earth’s geologic history and the natural splendor that preceded the dinosaur age.

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