Herkimer Diamond, the unofficial state mineral of New York!
For the most up to date events, check out our Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Newswire.
Herkimer Diamond as the state mineral of New York? Did you know there was a New York state mineral? Did you know there had not been a state mineral? We knew none of the answers to these questions until an article by Robert Harding educated us on the legislation being pushed by New York State Senator James Seward to name the Herkimer Diamond the New York state mineral.
Our interest in the Herkimer Diamond began with a rare chance to mine a claim outside of Fonda, New York that is managed by the local gems and mineral clubs to which we belong: New York Mineralogical Club, the Nassau Mineral Club, and the Island Rockhounds.
With our second to latest trip, at the level of 6 feet below ground, we made the following discover we dub The Best Herkimer Diamond Find Ever.
We recently mailed a Herkimer Diamond specimen to Senator Seward’s office in a display of gratitude and excitement, in return he sent a very nice letter to us. We also extend our appreciation to State Assembly Member Steve Englebright for pushing the legislation through the State Assembly.
The benefit of this legislation and new designation is increased rockhound tourism to the state, increased prominence for New York as an important American gem and mineral locale, and for us at least, renewed enthusiam and excitement when we start breaking dolomite looking for Herkimer Diamonds. Now we can inform people we are hunting for the state mineral.
So now you know the $1000 answer in trivia or Trivial Pursuit under the category “US State Minerals,” and now if only the Indiana State Senate would get started on naming the crinoid the Indiana State Fossil!
