HERKIMER “DIAMOND” COLLECTING TIPS

Judy & Bob Schuster

Sifting

Examine dirt, discard debris and rocks larger than a couple of inches, then sift

Rough sift = 1/2 inch screen                        Fine sift = 1/4 inch screen

Dirt sticks to crystal surfaces, so rub a gloved hand around the screen before discarding either level

Investigate everything with a shinny surface; it might be the proverbial tip of the iceberg

Sift everything you can; 1 to 2-inch crystals are often found this way and the smaller crystals are more likely to be perfect and water-clear

Breaking rocks

Wear safety glasses

Rocks with evidence of anthraxolite and/or quartz are more likely to have small pockets of crystals

Use rock hammer, sometimes a chisel

Break along natural cracks in the stone

Once you’ve discovered your first rock containing crystals, you’ll better discern which type is the most likely to contain Herks

Breaking INTO A layer

Wear safety glasses

Use rock hammer, chisels and wedges

Follow natural cracks in the ledge where possible

If working in “shatter rock” layer (easily determined because the rock breaks easily, i.e., shatters), hit up against the rock from below the layer if at all possible

Beware of flying debris to yourself and others

Best to go in from the side if possible, rather than from the top

Pounding on the top of ledge rock carries a greater risk of shattering crystals below, but sometimes is unavoidable

Once access is gained to layers below the top surface of a ledge, start chipping from the sides

If a pocket is suspected, clear off as much of the layer above as you can so you can approach from the sides and, especially, from behind

Dolostone surrounding a pocket usually is tougher, harder, and does not break along clean lines

In short, opening a pocket is difficult and requires as much finesse as it does force

Once a pocket is exposed, shield crystals from direct sunlight (see “thermal shock” below)

Sometimes there is a ball of sandstone/muck in the pocket that must be carefully excavated before the Herks are exposed

Do not hammer on the ball unless absolutely necessary; widen the pocket  throat until it can be pulled out

If you use a probe (screwdriver) to poke around the pocket, do so carefully so as not to damage crystals

Pull out and examine all material in the pocket!  Good crystals might be hidden in the muck

Thermal Shock

Many crystals contain air and water pockets.  Heating by exposure to direct sunlight can cause the inclusions to heat up faster than the quartz, resulting in expansion, which in turn might cause the crystal to crack or even explode.  Allow a pocket of crystals to come to ambient temperature slowly by shielding it for awhile after exposing it.  Continue to keep them put of direct sunlight.

Please remove as much of your debris, sifted dirt, and broken rock as you can from the claim pit.