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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographical / RAREST Herkimer Diamond — 5.00 carats Exceptional clarity...
Remarkable natural Herkimer diamond of 5.00 carats, selected for its particularly expressive biterminated morphology and for the extraordinary complexity of its internal architecture. This specimen features two very distinct natural terminations framing a deeply structured core, where transparent crystalline zones, veils, reflective internal fractures, and dark inclusions in smoky and brown-gold hues intertwine. Its peripheral transparency acts as a true window into its interior: depending on the orientation, light passes through certain parts of the crystal and then suddenly catches on the internal structures, producing a succession of silvery flashes and deep, dark depths. This contrast between the sharp geometry of the outer envelope and the almost chaotic character of the core gives the piece a particularly strong identity. Each viewing angle reveals a different organization, making this crystal a true specimen for exploration as well as a collectible piece. Despite the historical name “Herkimer Diamond,” it is not a diamond in the mineralogical sense, but a rare biterminated quartz specimen. Characteristics - Collection name: Herkimer Diamond - Mineralogical nature: Natural biterminated quartz - Origin: Pakistan - Weight: 5.00 carats - Dimensions: 13.2 × 9 × 6.6 mm - Morphology: Natural biterminated crystal - Color: Colorless with smoky to brown-gold inclusions - Transparency: Transparent to locally included - Luster: Vitreous, very bright - Terminations: Natural and well expressed - Faces: Natural, geometric and reflective - Internal structure: Very complex, with numerous planes and visible reliefs - Major feature: Spectacular contrast between a transparent envelope and a strongly structured core - Interest: Mineralogical collection, crystallography, study of inclusions and macrophotography A particularly aesthetic double termination The silhouette of this piece is one of its primary attractions. At 13.2 mm in length, the crystal adopts an elongated morphology whose two ends naturally terminate in sets of crystal faces. This biterminated growth is especially appreciated in collections, as it requires the crystal to have benefited from conditions allowing development of both ends rather than remaining entirely fixed to a matrix on one end. The result here is a piece with instantly recognizable geometry, whose silhouette can evoke a naturally faceted gem. A mineral heart of remarkable complexity The interior of the specimen is, however, its most spectacular feature. Behind the transparent surfaces there appears a true succession of nested structures. Very light zones alternate with darker concentrations and slightly brown or smoky nuances. Between them appear multiple reflective planes. From certain angles, these produce extremely luminous flashes and give the impression that tiny crystalline fragments are suspended at the heart of the stone. The visual depth is particularly pronounced for a crystal only a few millimeters thick. A true geological capsule The internal structures of a natural crystal constitute the physical traces of the conditions encountered during its formation. Growth is not necessarily a perfectly continuous phenomenon. Environmental conditions can change, some elements can be trapped, and microfractures can appear and then be partially healed over the crystal’s history. These events produce characteristics that remain preserved in the material. Thus the specimen becomes a kind of geological capsule, containing a history impossible to reproduce artificially in exactly the same way. In this piece, this history is especially legible due to the richness of the core. Inclusions that become the specimen’s identity For a gem intended to be cut, a high density of inclusions might be seen as a defect. In a collectible mineral specimen like this, the logic is different. It is precisely these structures that give the crystal its character. They produce a totally individual architecture: dark networks, transparent veils, reflective zones, and irregular structures overlap to create a landscape that will never exist in exactly the same way in another crystal. Each natural specimen thus has its own signature. A spectacular contrast between order and chaos This piece has a particularly interesting aesthetics because it unites two almost opposite realms. On the outside, the faces follow precise crystallographic geometry. Edges converge toward the terminations, giving the specimen a structured silhouette. Inside, by contrast, the eye discovers a multitude of irregular shapes, ruptures, planes, and inclusions. This opposition between outer crystallographic order and inner complexity is probably one of the most fascinating aspects of this specimen. Depth that changes with every orientation The crystal cannot be truly appreciated from a single viewpoint. When rotated, the large transparent faces alternately act as windows and as reflective surfaces. A structure nearly invisible from one angle may suddenly become brilliant from another. Smoky brown areas increase contrast under side lighting, while frontal lighting favors reading depth and transparency. This perpetual variation gives the specimen an extremely dynamic character. An ideal piece for loupe observation The richness of the heart takes on another dimension under magnification. Under a loupe or macro lens, secondary details appear inside the main structures: tiny planes, lines, textures, and reflections impossible to fully appreciate with the naked eye. The stone can then be explored almost like a miniature landscape. With 13.2 × 9 × 6.6 mm, the specimen remains compact while offering enough volume to observe multiple depth levels. The history behind the designation “Herkimer Diamond” The expression “Herkimer Diamond” originates from the famous biterminated crystals historically linked to Herkimer County and nearby regions of New York State. Their remarkable luster, transparency, and highly developed natural terminations earned them this name evoking diamond, despite a different mineralogical nature. This morphology has since become iconic among collectors. Crystals with similar biterminated characteristics are also found in other parts of the world. The true geographic provenance of this piece is therefore clearly indicated in its characteristics to distinguish the collection name from its origin. A specimen of character for any collection This piece should not be appreciated solely for its transparency. Its interest lies in the convergence of several elements: double natural termination, beautiful geometry, vitreous luster, transparent zones, and especially an extraordinarily rich inner structure. Its 5.00-carat weight also gives it a meaningful presence for this type of compact specimen. It is a piece meant to be observed, rotated, lit, and examined under magnification. The more one studies it, the more new details emerge. A remarkable 5.00-carat biterminated specimen, where the external geometry frames a true mineral world inside — a singular, complex, and deeply expressive piece for any natural crystal collection. Terms and Conditions – MineralsOpals: At MineralsOpals, your satisfaction is our top priority. All orders are handled with the utmost care, from stone selection to final shipment. - Shipping & timelines: Shipped within 1 to 3 business days at most, usually the day after the order. Shipped Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and public holidays). Each package is sent via La Poste with tracking number provided. Careful packaging: each stone is individually protected, then placed in a secure rigid carton. - Warranty & customer service: 100% of shipments are guaranteed: if there is any issue, we always find a solution. Shop with complete confidence: full refund, replacement, or a goodwill gesture in case of loss or proven problem. If you have any questions, doubt, or a specific request, you can contact me at any time, I will respond gladly as soon as possible. Trust & commitment Each stone is photographed with care to reflect its natural beauty. You benefit from personalized monitoring. My goal: to offer you a reliable, humane, and transparent purchasing experience. Thank you for your support. Please feel free to view our reserve auctions to discover other exceptional products and follow us to stay informed about our new offers.
Estimate:£0.84
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical
Estimate:
£0.84
A rare opportunity to acquire an item of Cuban historical importance:
09/22/2026
£850
Est: £500
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
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£453.92
