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So...What Are Herkimer Diamonds?

First things first: Herkimer diamonds are not diamonds. They’re quartz. Very, very shiny quartz. But before you feel swindled, let us reassure you that they're still nature’s overachievers. These double-terminated quartz crystals are found mainly in Herkimer County, New York (hence the name), and they’re so clear, so sharply faceted, and so sparkly that early miners thought they must be diamonds. Spoiler: they were wrong. But we are happy they were.

Picture this: around 500 million years ago, while dinosaurs were minding their Paleozoic business, dolostone, the host rock, was deposited in a shallow sea. Silica-rich fluid and bubbles of gas seeped into cavities and began crystallizing, forming the double-terminated quartz crystals we now call Herkimer diamonds. Ben loves pulling out the microscope to look for the double-terminated part! What does that mean? Well, unlike your average quartz that forms on a rock face and grows in one direction, Herkimer diamonds float freely in their little pockets and grow terminations on both ends. Two points = double the good vibes (and double the sparkle). Herkimers are basically the overachievers of the quartz world. 

Those that follow Ben Davis Designs know we have A LOT of teenage girls in the house and styling a Herkimer is just so much fun, They can give off a long chain Boho look, a business casual, or as one of my kiddos puts it "minimalistic Gucci". And when someone compliments your necklace, it's fun to say, "It's 500 million years old". 

Let's dip into the metaphysical. I get asked these questions A LOT, and I'm still learning, so I had to look up this part! 

• Amplification: Believed to enhance the energy of other stones (I could use added energy!)

• Clarity & Vision: Aids in meditation, dream recall, and accessing higher consciousness

• High Vibration: Thought to vibrate at a high frequency, which can help cleanse chakras, energize your aura, and possibly scare away that weird coworker who always hovers by your desk. (kidding, kidding....)

• Healing: Some claim Herkimer diamonds help with stress, EMF protection, and general energetic alignment—basically a spiritual multitool.

Ready to add geological glam? Our collection of Herkimer diamond pendants features stones set in minimalist, bohemian, and luxe styles—perfect for gifting or keeping (no judgment if you do both).