Ace of Diamonds Mine

Come join the fun at The Ace and prospect for HERKIMER DIAMONDS, brilliant, water clear quartz crystals composed of silicon dioxide, hard enough to scratch glass. They are of a hexagonal structure and doubly terminated - (points on both ends). Dolomite limestone is the rock formation in which they are found. This rock was buried ages ago. Subsequently, surface water containing silicon seeped downward through the earth and was trapped in pockets or cavities in the dolomite rock. Under tremendous heat and pressure these crystals were formed. Weathering and erosion by glaciers and water have exposed the strata in Middleville, New York. the crystals are found mostly in rock cavities (formed approximately four hundred million years ago) but many are found in soil surrounding the weathered rocks.

Come prepared for outdoor activity, rain or shine. Wear old clothes, shoes suitable for climbing over rocks and walking in mud, gloves, hats, safety glasses, collecting containers, sun block or rain ponchos. Bring your own hammers, chisels & small garden tools if you have them. However, we do sell or rent prospector's tools.