Quartz (Herkimer Diamond)

This exceptional specimen features a gem-quality, 2.0 cm doubly terminated Herkimer quartz "diamond" elegantly perched within a vug in a fist-sized chunk of limestone matrix. The Herkimer in matrix is an uncommon occurrence as these crystals often detach during collection due to the hardness of the silicified host rock. Herkimer diamonds are found within the Cambrian-age Little Falls Dolostone, a formation deposited in a shallow sea approximately 500 million years ago. Despite their continued production from various localities in Herkimer County, retrieving these prized crystals requires significant manual effort. Between the sculptural matrix preservation and exceptional gem-like quality of the crystal make this specimen a highly desirable and representative specimen.

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This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years, where he was formally appointed the Honorary Curator of Mineralogy. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal.