Despite its brilliant name, Herkimer diamond is in no way a genuine diamond. While its visual form could offer a remote possibility of misidentifying this crystal for genuine diamond, its crystal structure tells us that Herkimer's closest relatives are rock crystals - transparent quartz stones. As a matter of fact, there are some references stating that in the past this crystal used to be mistaken for diamond and for that reason Herkimer trading even banned for a certain period of time. Take your herkimer out on a sunny day and watch the glistering sparkles of reflected light over its many facets - you'll see that fire and brilliance are not really so dissimilar to those of diamonds, despite their very different optical properties. As for its metaphysical performance, much of the meanings of diamond can be reassigned to this stone, so if you are unable to purchase real diamond, go for this replacement gem.
The macroscopic structure of this extraordinary crystal is such that it is always double terminated. Formed half billion years ago in the hollow space within some dark-grayish dolomite rocks, herkimer measures from 0.2 to 1.5 inches, but there are also specimens of impressive size and strength which are more than 5 inches long. A small specimen can cost as much as $ 5, but their price is very much dependent on their size --- the larger ones can reach the price of several hundreds dollars. You can even mine your very own herkimer (which is especially beneficial if you want to use it in healing, spiritual practice, magic or meditation). This can be done in one of the several mines operating in the Herkimer County. Here is a video about one of them.
Clusters, twins and other shapes, although rare are also not unknown. Their shine, natural facets, and from time to time very regular 6 sided prismatic figure are so attractive and unique in the world of quartz minerals that they attract equally the mineral collectors and jewelry lovers, but also the crystal therapists due to their holistic health properties. Therefore this stone proudly bears the name: "diamond for everyone".
On one hand, herkimers are splendid, full of shine, and superior to rock crystal, but on the other hand they are of diminished hardness and brilliance when compared with diamonds. They are rather a class for itself, a class of object of outstanding geometric form and transparency close to clearness of water.
Restore your body and mind with the majestic herkimer crystal
Each of the herkimer diamonds is unique and carries its own personality. The two points at the opposite end (double termination) make this crystal a powerful tool for metaphysical purposes. Its properties and meanings are similar to those of quartz, only considerably enhanced and multiplied by at least an order of magnitude.
Speaking about its impact on the organism, it can be considered a potent balancing stone for getting our physical and emotional energies in proper order. It should be used with care, especially if you are not adapted to its high vibrations. Given that this is one of the most powerful gemstones for releasing and discharging the energy blockages within our auric energy field (more about the human auras here), it is no surprise that herkimer diamond is frequently used in crystal layouts and/or for placing on energy centers - chakras.
Just like rock crystal - quartz, when combined with other semi precious and precious gemstones, it can considerably increase their performance. When our organism is weak and when it needs restoring, and rejuvenating nothing works better than a crystal elixir made from this gem. Just let it stay over night in a glass of pure spring water, and drink it in the morning for optimal results.
Herkimer stones - promoters of our inner awakening
These wondrous specimens can be incredible inspirational tools, making the contact with our spiritual levels of consciousness more easy, boosting our creativity, helping us ease the inner tension, and establishing a feeling of all-embracing wellbeing and joy. If your personal relationships are disrupted, this stone can help you repair them, and fix all you other problems on every level of existence.
Working with them can enhance your dream recall. They can help you establish a healthy sense of self love and self acceptance, keeping your heart open also for other people close to you. Herkimer can teach you how to love unconditionally.
Oftentimes our everyday life is not clear and transparent. The perfect clarity, beauty and charm of herkimer diamonds can remind us of what we could become on provided that we implement the Divine qualities and attributes. Herkimers are easily available, relatively inexpensive, and thus we can say that they are more valuable for us than the genuine diamonds. Do not forget --- the diamonds need to be cut and polished in order to shine --- herkimers are shiny and perfectly clear even without any human intervention. They are natural objects of perfection we can and should by all means identify with.
