Herkimer Enhydro

The Herkimer Enhydro is a very unique piece of quartz... with which I have recently become acquainted.

There are two parts to the name... let's talk about "Herkimer." Simply put, Herkimer is in up-state New York, where there are two mines at which this clear quartz is mined: the Ace of Diamonds (http://www.herkimerdiamonds.com/index.htm), and The Herkimer Diamond Mines (http://www.herkimerdiamond.com/). These mines are professionally mined; however, they also have the unique feature of allowing tourists to visit and prospect for their own stones. Herkimer stones are commercially known as "Herkimer Diamonds," and are even cut and polished for sale and setting, however, their mineral content is closer to that of quartz.

Now, let's talk about "enhydro." Literally speaking, there is water inside the stone. As the stone forms, water is able to enter and exit the quartz until, at some point in the stone's development, the water becomes sealed inside. For a Herkimer to have an enhydro inclusion makes it more rare and more valuable, and the best enhydros even have dirt or air bubbles in the inclusion as well so that it can be classified as a "moving enhydro." The water can actually be seen to move inside the stone.

Metaphysically speaking, the Herkimer diamond is known as the "stone of attunement." It is said to be a good meditation aid and is known to clarify and strengthen dreams.

If you are interested in learning more about Herkimer Diamonds or making a purchase, check out either of these two dealers:
-Sticks 'N' Stones:http: http://www.sticksnstonesonline.com/home
-Inner Vision Crystals: http://www.innervisioncrystals.net/enter.html

(photo from Ebay auction 380340651758 by seller "crystaleyesd")