Digging Herkimer Diamonds at the Ace of Diamonds Mine

This is our first trip to mine Herkimer Diamonds this year. This is at the Ace of Diamonds Mine in Middleville, NY. It was only $14 USD per person to mine there from 9am to 5pm. If you've never done this before it's really fun, but also very hard work. It was quite warm the day we were there but we were able to manage the heat by staying hydrated and spending time in the shade as needed. I would also recommend sunscreen and bug spray if you get the chance to come to this area to mine.

Herkimer Diamonds are quartz crystals that are double terminated and are formed in dolostone. They're slightly harder than other quartz crystals and score a 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. The name Herkimer comes from the location, of Herkimer County, NY. The diamond part is a nickname that came from the high luster and brilliance these beautiful crystals have. Real diamonds are made of carbon and Herkimer Diamonds are made of silicon dioxide.