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All auctions / Ethnographical / Extremely rare lot of 5 Herkimer Diamonds — 3.60 carats...


Exceptional lot of five natural Herkimer Diamonds, bringing together five remarkably expressive crystals despite their ~6 mm size. The set stands out for the diversity of its morphologies: stocky or more elongate crystals, geometric terminations, large shiny faces, and internal architectures that vary greatly from one specimen to another. Their beautiful transparency allows observation of a multitude of details imprisoned in the heart of the crystals: veils, natural fractures, inclusions, growth zones, and play of reflections that give each specimen its own identity. Their small size makes their level of complexity all the more fascinating: these crystals concentrate within just a few millimeters a true natural mineral architecture. The lot weighs 3.60 carats in total, or an average weight of about 0.72 carat per specimen. These are extremely rare specimens of twin-terminated quartz, sought under the name “Herkimer Diamonds” for their naturally faceted morphology, their transparency and their characteristic brilliance. Characteristics - Collection name: Herkimer Diamonds - Number of specimens: 5 - Mineral nature: Natural twin-terminated quartz - Origin: Pakistan - Total weight: 3.60 carats - Average weight: ≈ 0.72 carat per specimen - Dimensions: About 6 mm per specimen - Morphology: Natural twin-terminated crystals - Color: Colorless to very slightly smoky depending on areas and inclusions - Transparency: Transparent to locally translucent - Luster: Vitreous, particularly brilliant on the large faces - Crystallization: Natural - Terminations: Natural and well expressed - Internal structure: Veils, natural fractures, and varying inclusions depending on each crystal - Condition: Natural specimens, uncut - Interest: Mineralogical collection, crystallography, and macrophotography Five crystals, five unique architectures The major interest of this lot lies in its exceptional morphological diversity at this scale. Each specimen has its own architecture. Some show a relatively compact, almost symmetrical silhouette, while others develop a more elongated form. The terminations, the proportions of the different faces, and the organization of internal structures also vary from crystal to crystal. Presented side by side, they form a remarkable small series allowing comparison of the different expressions that a natural twin-terminated crystallization can take. A geometry entirely created by nature The almost-cut appearance of these specimens is particularly fascinating. Their flat faces, edges, and terminations are not the result of lapidary work: they correspond to the natural growth of the crystals. It is precisely this spontaneous geometry that has long contributed to the fascination of Herkimer Diamonds. Under directional light, the different faces reflect light successively and produce powerful white flashes. Simply rotating a crystal causes some areas to become almost invisible while others light up abruptly. Within a few millimeters, this effect can be spectacular under magnification. A remarkable internal complexity Transparency also allows us to discover what constitutes one of the most interesting aspects of these specimens: their internal architecture. Each crystal houses its own set of veils, natural fractures, inclusions, and growth planes. Light traverses these structures, reflects off them, or refracts through them, giving the impression of observing several successive levels inside the same crystal. Under a loupe or in macrophotography, these details become particularly striking: a specimen only a few millimeters in size can reveal a mineralogical landscape of remarkable richness. Evidence of their own formation These features are not merely aesthetic. They also testify to the crystal’s growth history. During formation, the physico-chemical conditions of its environment can evolve. Different stages can thus leave traces in the form of growth zones, inclusions, or natural fractures. It becomes virtually impossible to find two crystals perfectly identical. In this lot, this individuality is particularly evident: the five specimens possess a different visual signature, both externally and internally. The fascinating story of the “Herkimer Diamonds” The name “Herkimer Diamond” is historically associated with the famous twin-terminated crystals discovered in Herkimer County and its surroundings, in New York State. Their transparency, brilliance, and especially their spectacular natural geometry earned them this early comparison to diamonds. These crystals have gradually become iconic specimens in mineral collecting. Twin-terminated crystals with comparable characteristics also exist in other regions of the world. It is therefore appropriate to distinguish the collection name from geographic provenance; the lot’s provenance is clearly specified in the characteristics. A miniature lot particularly interesting With about 6 mm per specimen, this ensemble belongs to a miniature category that truly comes into its own when viewed up close. Despite their small size, the crystals retain clearly recognizable morphologies, developed terminations, and rich internal structure. Their small size also makes it possible to gather several architectures in a very compact space, making it especially interesting to view under a loupe or within a collection of micro-minerals and miniatures. The total weight of 3.60 carats corresponds to an average of only 0.72 carat per crystal, further highlighting the finesse of these five natural constructions. A set for the collector Thus this lot brings together five distinct specimens, selected for the diversity of their shapes, their transparency, and their internal complexity. Each crystal is an individual piece, with its own geometry and unique traces of its growth history. Together, they offer a true small collection allowing appreciation of the morphological richness of these natural twin-terminated crystallizations. Five crystals, about 6 mm each, 3.60 carats total, and five absolutely unique natural architectures: a remarkable miniature collection set. General Terms of Sale – MineralsOpals: At MineralsOpals, your satisfaction is a top priority. All orders are processed with the greatest care, from stone selection to final shipment. - Shipping & delays: Shipped within 1 to 3 business days maximum, usually the day after the order. Shipped Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and holidays). Each package is sent via La Poste with tracking number provided. Careful packaging: each stone is individually protected, then placed in a rigid secure carton. - Warranty & customer service: 100% of shipments are guaranteed: if there is a problem, we always find a solution. You shop with complete confidence: full refund, replacement, or goodwill gesture in case of loss or proven issue. If you have any questions, doubts, or specific requests, you can contact me at any time, I will gladly respond as quickly as possible. Trust & commitment Each stone is photographed with care to reflect its natural beauty. You benefit from personalized tracking. My goal: to offer you a reliable, human, and transparent shopping experience. Thank you for your support. Feel free to browse our reserve auctions to discover other exceptional products and follow us to stay informed of our new offers.
Estimate:£1.69
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical
Estimate:
£1.69
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