Ace of Diamonds Mine, Middleville, Town of Newport, Herkimer Co., New York

2.9 x 2.8 x 2.2 cm

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Collected in 1967

This specimen is roughly hemispherical is shape but upon closer examination, it can be seen, there are three, conjoined, spherical aggregates of crystals which form a rough, heart shape. The Quartz is a light brown color with darker colored phantoms in the terminations just below the surface. The coloring agent is Pyro bitumen, a hydrocarbon formed by the polymerization of petroleum. The crystals are well formed and have a high, sparkly luster. Quite a unique specimen from the quarry best known for its Herkimer Diamonds. This specimen was from an extensive collection of specimens from Ace of Diamonds which were collected by a man from Connecticut who unfortunately died in a car accident in 1972. Apparently, collecting at the location was this man's passion. The best specimens were displayed at local mineral shows in New England. Each specimen displayed had a numbered label on the bottom of the specimen which is still on the bottom of this specimen. I bought the collection from the man's daughter in the summer of 2007. Most of the better specimens were sold that year at Denver, but this one has been in my personal collection since then. Unfortunately, I have forgotten the name of the collector and only have the daughter's name in our records.

Condition: Very Good

Flaws: There is some damage on one of the spherical clusters which is not visible when viewed from most angles. The rest of the specimen is in excellent, pristine condition.

This mineral is also found in the following galleries: Minerals From New York, New Jersey and New England | Quartz | Borates and Hydrocarbons | Minerals Priced Between 100 and 199 Dollars