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Herkimer Diamond Mines
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Prospecting Admission Rates: Your Admission Includes: Sluicing Bags: * $10.00 per bag of rough material – your choice of The Herkimer Diamond Mines Gift Shop, Museum, and Prospecting Area are open from Gift Shop and Museum Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily Prospecting Area: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily From July 1st through Labor Day Weekend, the Gift Shop and Museum are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily Herkimer Diamond Cafe:
1. What Should We Bring? 2. What are Herkimer Diamonds? 3. How are Herkimer Diamonds different from other diamonds? 4. How were Herkimer Diamonds formed? 5. What are the collection methods? 6. What is pocket mining? 7. Are there special Herkimer Diamonds? 8. What constitutes a perfect Herkimer Diamond? 9. Can you be of any age to prospect? 10. Can we keep everything we find?
Station 1: The Fluorescent RoomThe Fluorescent Room is the first station on the learning tour. Large world-class rock and mineral specimens are first viewed under normal incandescent light. Then press a button and – surprise ! – the lights go off and fantastic, outrageous colors glow from the rocks. These specimens, found in mines from around the world, exhibit the harmless but spectacular phenomenon known as “fluorescence”. Ultraviolet light excites electrons in certain atoms, causing them to glow in bright colors. Station 2: New York State DisplayThe second learning station is the New York Display. Superb mineral specimens from New York State localities show what treasures our state provides. The numerical identification system helps the observer locate the specific location on the seven by seven foot map. The map illustrates all the rock units, topographic lines, roads, and cities. Station 3: Systematic CollectionOur extensive Systematic Collection is the third stop on our tour. James Dana, An American Professor of Mineralogy at Yale was the first to organize minerals according to their chemical class. Beginning with examples of elements such as copper, silver, and gold, our collection displays examples of crystallized oxides, halides, carbonates, phosphates, vanadinates, borates, and silicates from around the world. Station 4: Quartz CollectionThe fourth learning station is our Quartz Collection. Rare crystallized examples or rock crystals, amethyst, citrine, smoky, rose, rutilated, and septered quartz. Agates, jaspers, cherts, geodes and synthetic quartz crystals are also exhibited and the economically important property of prozoelectricity is explained. Station 5: Herkimer Diamond Stand AloneA special effort has been put forward to recognize our world famous Herkimer Diamonds. Nowhere else is there such a breathtaking display. Five circular display cases highlight the history and materials found with Herkimer Diamonds. The large center case exhibits hundreds of large jewelry grade crystals. Try to find the rare enhydros, phantoms, and skeletal crystals nestled among the glittering gems (new extensive collection of faceted Diamonds !!) Station 6: Physical Properties of MatterLearning Station 6 explains the physical properties of minerals. Examples of crystal form, habit, conductivity, tenacity, fracture, cleavage, luster, streaks, harness, specific gravity, and magnetism. Utilizing these basic characteristics enables even the novice to identify one mineral from another. Station 7: Randy’s Room and FossilsLearning Station 7 is a special room – “Randy’s Room” along with numerous examples of New York State Fossils. This display exhibits fossils of the oldest life form know on earth. The various fossilization processes are illustrated through our unique collection to provide the observer a better appreciation for these beautifully detailed remains of ancient life. Nicknames “Randy” by a team of paleontologists after being unearthed in Madagascar, the rare Tyrannosaurus-like Majungatholus skull is the centerpiece at the Herkimer Diamond Miens Museum exhibit on prehistoric geology, fossils, and life. “Randy” was a massive carnivore similar to the better-known T-rex,” said Renee Scialdo Shevat, the Diamond Mines’ president. He ruled the top of the food chain an estimated 65 to 70 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period.” Randy was discovered in Madagascar off the coast of Africa when a bulldozer was clearing jungle land. It was a rare find: Only three such dinosaur skulls have been found worldwide. Randy’s scientific name comes from “Majunga”, a district of Madagascar, and “tholus”, meaning dome in Latin. Randy had a small horn above his eyes. Full grown, Randy was about 30 feet long. The fossil skull is approximately 3 feet long and weights 350 pounds. The teeth are only slightly smaller than railroad spikes. Majungatholus was a meat-eater, probably preferring the long-necked, plant-eating sauropods or other large dinosaurs. Interestingly, Randy was found with his last meal – the thighbone of a sauropod – still captured in his teeth. The rare Majungatholus skull was sought by several leading universities and museums. Herkimer Diamond Mines is pleased to create a new home for Randy in Central New York. Randy is on permanent exhibit at the Herkimer Diamond Mines Museum, which also includes a huge collection of gems, rocks, and minerals from around the world, as well as interactive displays. Station 8: Art FormsThroughout history, mankind has been fascinated by the beauty of minerals and its art forms. Striving to attain the most from these gems and precious metals man has make jewelry manufacturing a great art form. Beautiful cabochons, faceted gems and inlay designs highlight this display as the pinnacle of human effort to embellish the environment. Station 9: TimelineLearning station 9 is our answer to the difficult concept of geologic time. Detailed information from the origins of our solar system, plate tectonics through the evolution of modern life is uniquely illustrated along our 22 foot long timeline. Find out what’s older – the Herkimer Diamond or the Dinosaur. Station 10: Economic uses of Rocks and MineralsLearning station 10 illustrates the uses of rocks and minerals, and the importance of rocks and minerals in our everyday lives. Ores of metals, ceramics, glass, plastics, and building materials are displayed with their finished end product and economic uses. Station 11: The Diamond CrossThis diamond cross was found the morning of September 11, 2001, at the Herkimer Diamond Mines. This is one of the most beautiful and unusual clusters ever found here. Station 12: Kingdom of KimerCome visit the Kingdom of Kimer. A magical room for quiet reading. Read The Legends of Herkimer Diamonds. A book has been written for children to highlight the notoriety and unique features of the Herkimer Diamonds, which are right here in our backyard ! We also have all 6 plush characters available in gift baskets or sold separately. Station 13: Diamond Hall of FameHonorable, Industrious, Caring, Adventuresome. It is fairly easy to describe the Herkimer Diamond Mines Hall of Fame first inductees. Mr. and Mrs. Al and Jean Snyder of Oneida, NY have been selected as the 2005 recipients of this first year award. Jean and Al were among the first diamond miners in 1955. With the virgin rock ledge, rock hammers and two children, they aggressively managed to secure one of the first pockets of diamonds known to us. Throughout the years, they initiated and managed regional lapidary and gemological organizations while creating and expanding their own business and raising a family. On Sunday, May 29th, 2005, the new Hall of Fame was formally opened and Mr. and Mrs. Snyder were inducted by Assemblyman Marc Butler. All and Jean and their family were our special guests. The selecting process was international. Based on ten different criteria, the ninety day process produced fifty semi-finalists, twelve finalists, selected by a committee of six advisors. Chairperson, Dr. Renee’ Shevat said “It appears that we will have a number of deserving and likely candidates for succeeding years with the overwhelming interest internationally, but for this year, we are so very proud to acknowledge the efforts, drive, and modesty displayed by Al and Jean. A new Hall of Famer will be selected in 2008
Our Crystal Chandelier RestaurantAdjacent to the Mines (walking distance). Since 1982, the Crystal Chandelier Restaurant has provided friendly and courteous services to a variety of businesses, corporations, families and individuals throughout the Mohawk Valley. “Quality is a necessity”. Our policy is to provide you with a pleasant time, quality food, and efficient service. crystalchandelier.net Our newly expandedHerkimer Diamond CafeAt the Mines (walking distance). Over the years, the Diamond Cafe has become a popular snack and lunch spot for our guests at the mines. Children love the Frisbee platter for lunch. Ever popular are our chicken fingers. All food is cooked with hot air, not oils or grease. Sit at our outdoor picnic area and enjoy the sounds of nature and children playing. April & May - Weekends Only 10-10:30am - 4:30pm Our Prospector’s PavilionAt the KOA. only available to guests at the KOA. Our Prospector’s Pavilion is open on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. We offer pizza and fish fry on Friday (free delivery to sites). Ice cream social on Saturday evenings and a Pancake breakfast on Sunday. Our Waterfront GrilleOff-site Restaurant. A short 6 miles drive to the Erie Canal. All the food at the Waterfront Grille is made from scratch using only the finest quality ingredients. The menu includes seasonal offerings from the Mohawk Valley, highlighting the area’s rich agricultural tradition. The menu also incorporates locally produced food products and features regional beers and wines. |