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Alla auktioner / Etnografica / RARISSIME Herkimer Diamond — 5.10 carats Exceptional...


Exceptional natural Herkimer Diamond of 5.10 carats, displaying an exceptionally rich crystallographic architecture. This piece immediately stands out by the striking contrast between its large transparent outer faces and its extremely complex core, a miniature mineral landscape. Through the crystal’s crystal-clear windows, multiple nested structures appear: growth planes, veils, crystalline reliefs, natural internal fractures, and reflective surfaces that seem to overlap at several depths. Some zones also exhibit delicate smoky, brown, and slightly golden nuances that further enhance the specimen’s visual depth. Together, they produce an extraordinary play of light: depending on orientation, some structures disappear while others suddenly become brilliant, giving the almost-fpectation of observing several crystals embedded within one another. This complexity is the visible memory of the different stages and perturbations that accompanied the crystal’s growth. With its two natural terminations, its beautiful peripheral transparency, and its extraordinarily animated heart, it is a particularly expressive and singular specimen. The term “Herkimer Diamond” is used here to designate a rarissime bi-terminated quartz specimen, appreciated by collectors for its natural morphology, its luster, and the exceptional complexity of its crystallization. Features - Collection name: Herkimer Diamond - Mineralogical nature: Natural bi-terminated quartz - Origin: Pakistan - Weight: 5.10 carats - Dimensions: 14 × 10.4 × 5.4 mm - Morphology: Natural bi-terminated crystal - Color: Colorless, with internal smoky to brown-gold nuances - Transparency: Transparent, with strongly structured internal zones - Luster: Intense vitreous - Faces: Natural, broad and highly reflective - Internal architecture: Exceptionally complex - Visible peculiarities: Multiple planes, veils, reliefs and three-dimensionally structured internal features - Interest: Mineralogical collection, magnified observation, crystallography and macrophotography A true crystalline world imprisoned in stone This specimen has a feature particularly sought after in collectible crystals: its transparent exterior allows direct observation of an interior of spectacular complexity. The central part appears to consist of a succession of crystalline levels. Internal surfaces cross, overlap, and reflect light according to different orientations. The result evokes almost a fractured architecture enclosed in a transparent shell. This organization gives the crystal unusual depth. The eye does not stop at its surface: it is immediately drawn toward its center, where each level reveals new details. A remarkable succession of internal structures Close observation reveals a profusion of structures. Some are fine and almost transparent. Others appear as true internal mirrors. Several planes also display slightly smoky or golden tones, adding contrast to the whole. These differences in transparency and reflection create a particularly spectacular three-dimensional effect. Under magnification, the specimen becomes even more fascinating: structures that appear fused to the naked eye can then be distinguished individually, allowing progressive exploration of the crystal’s different depths. The memory of complex growth Crystal formation is a progressive process that can undergo different phases. The conditions present during growth can evolve: temperature, pressure, mineralizing fluid composition, space availability, or crystallization rate can vary. These events can leave lasting traces in the structure. It is precisely this history that gives some crystals their extraordinary internal richness. In this specimen, the quantity of visible structures suggests a notably eventful growth history. The crystal seems to have recorded several successive episodes, now frozen in its matter and observable through its transparency. A remarkable bi-terminated morphology Bi-termination is one of the most emblematic aspects of these crystals. To naturally develop terminations at both ends, the crystal must be free to grow around itself. It thus does not adopt the classical morphology of a crystal where one end remains entirely attached to its matrix. This free growth allows the appearance of a particularly expressive geometry. On this piece, the terminations frame a relatively elongated crystal body of 14 mm, creating a balanced and instantly recognizable silhouette. Faces similar to windows The outer faces play an essential role here. Some show beautiful transparency and literally function as windows allowing observation of the heart of the specimen. Others directly intercept the light and become extremely brilliant. This alternation between transmission and reflection of light explains why the crystal can appear radically different depending on the angle of observation. A slight rotation is sometimes enough to transform a transparent area into a silver surface or reveal a structure that was almost invisible. An almost architectural aesthetics Photography allows a particularly good appreciation of this piece’s geometry. The exterior forms a shell with clean lines, while the interior seems much more chaotic and organic. This contrast is remarkable. The external surfaces convey an impression of crystallographic order, while the center tells a much more complex story of superimpositions, ruptures, and growth resumption. This duality gives the specimen a personality very different from a perfectly clear and uniform crystal. The history of the “Herkimer Diamond” name The name “Herkimer Diamond” historically originates from the famous bi-terminated crystals discovered in Herkimer County and neighboring regions of New York. Their high transparency, their intensely vitreous luster, and their naturally developed geometry led collectors to visually compare them to diamonds. The expression has thus become extremely well known in the mineralogical world. Crystals with a comparable aesthetic are also found in other parts of the world. The true origin of each specimen remains essential information, which is why the exact geographic origin of this piece is clearly stated in its characteristics. An exceptional piece under directional lighting Light completely transforms this specimen. When it passes through the clearest zones, it penetrates deeply into the crystal before meeting the multiple internal surfaces. These then reflect the light in different directions, creating white, silver, smoky, or slightly golden flashes. The crystal thus has an almost moving appearance. With each rotation, new details appear, while some previously visible structures fade. This ability to transform under illumination is one of the piece’s major aesthetic qualities. A particularly interesting specimen for macrophotography At only 14 mm at its greatest dimension, this crystal contains an impressive amount of detail. Macrophotography reveals all of it. The tiny internal structures become real reliefs, the reflective surfaces look like mirrors, and the different layers acquire spectacular depth. It is possible to obtain very different images of the same specimen simply by slightly changing its orientation or the light source position. A collection piece deeply singular This specimen should not only be appreciated for its transparency. Its true strength lies in the combination of a relatively clear crystal envelope and an extraordinarily complex heart. With 5.10 carats, dimensions of 14 × 10.4 × 5.4 mm, natural bi-terminated morphology, and the exceptional richness of its internal structures, it possesses all the qualities of a piece meant to be observed for a long time rather than merely displayed. A remarkable collection piece, a true miniature geologic capsule whose countless internal structures, depth, and play of light tell a unique crystalline story. General Conditions of Sale – MineralsOpals: At MineralsOpals, your satisfaction is a 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 maximum, generally the day after the order. Shipping Monday through 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 sturdy crate. - Warranty & customer service: 100% of shipments are guaranteed: in case of any issue, we always find a solution. You buy with complete confidence: full refund, replacement, or a goodwill gesture in case of loss or proven problem. If you have questions, doubts, 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 tracking. My goal: offer you a reliable, humane, and transparent purchasing experience. 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