HEY BEGINNERS, NEWBIES, AND NOVICE ROCKHOUNDS
Curious about Herkimer Diamond quartz crystals?
My theme…LEARN AND DISCERN!
Learn – sharing info that helped me when I started out.
Discern - selecting the parts that interest you, followed by making informed decisions.
You decide what works for you!
I share beginner information, places to go, people to meet, locals that have crystals available for sale, downloadable documents and more.
At 60 something, I’m having the time of my life! I couldn’t be happier engaging in an activity I have grown to love.
Become a Herkimer Diamond Detective!
YouTube Channel
Please join me and my friend Carson as we offer a series of videos on Herkimer diamond quartz crystals. Carson adds fun stop-motion animation. Hope you enjoy.
BONUS: Sign up and receive this workbook – “Herkimer Diamond Detective Workbook.” Crossword and word search puzzles that coincide with each video. Also, extra activity sheets if you have crystals. Print the pages you would like to do!
Things You Might
Be Interested In
Help yourself to this document that contains the following:
*Currently available – 9 public mines in the Mohawk Valley Region. Location/Contact Info and cost provided for 2025.
*Tools list – assist the beginner in deciding what to take.
*General expectations for the beginner when you go prospecting for Herkimer diamond quartz crystals.
*General overview about current market value of small gem quality Herkimer diamond quartz crystals.
My Shopping Page
Welcome to my shopping page! I have a separate link that will transfer you to my
I have two items available.
“Herkimer Diamond Detective – Learn and Discern” Book
“Herkimer Diamond Detective Sample Kit – This kit provides samples of crystals and rocks commonly found when prospecting for Herks.
Sign Up to Download Workbook and Booklet. Or, to just keep in touch.
Testimonials
The fine doubly-terminated quartz crystals known to mineral collectors as Herkimer diamonds are recognized by mineral collectors the world over. They grace mineral displays at the top museums and inspire individuals like the author. Jeanne Smith has brought together her passion for these aesthetic minerals and her teaching background to produce, Herkimer Diamond Detective, a book beautifully suited for anyone interested in learning about Herkimer diamonds.
All aspects from what they are, how and where they are found, and their many unique characteristics are covered in this easy to read and well figured book. More importantly she has also detailed how to find these crystals and provides necessary information about safety while prospecting. The text is written in a way that will inspire the curiosity of readers and motivate them to learn more about the topic. Her passion for Herkimer diamond collecting is sure to be passed onto the reader and begs them to get into the field and collect their own examples of these unique natural treasures. This book will give them the background to do that successfully.
Michael R. Walter – Author of Collector’s Guide to Herkimer Diamonds
Herkimer Diamond Detective Learn And Discern is a great resource addressing all questions I have encountered guiding Herkimer Diamond diggers over the years. If only I had Jeanne’s diagrams, drawings and descriptions of the Herkimer diamond’s complex structures, faces and contact marks, to easily educate diggers about amazing crystal they are pulling out of the ground. Great for new diggers as well, providing a full background of tools, tips, and safety guidelines. A complete Herkimer Diamond resource!
Andrew “Dirtman” Rockhound
It’s wonderful as a geologist to see people creating rock hounding kits for all ages. The Herkimer diamond Detective kit is authentic and a great resource for young and old. I appreciate the attention to detail, from the samples in the kit to the specifics about geology and the pictures in the book. This is a perfect gift for any Herkimer Diamond enthusiast.
Elley Ringo of Elley Knows Rocks
Jeanne Smith’s book, Herkimer Diamond Detective breaks down the many facets of Herkimer mining into easy to understand language that is accessible for everyone. From safety tips, tools and techniques to mine etiquette, this book covers all the bases for those new to rockhounding. Through drawings, photos and diagrams, the reader learns the unique characteristics of the Herkimer diamond and how to collect these treasures. The book and kit demystifies the Herkimer diamond in a way that truly demonstrates that prospecting is for everyone. As a mine owner, I have found this book (and the corresponding Herkimer Diamond Detective Sample Kit) to be a prime way to help new miners see what they should look for when out in the mines.
Maggie Rollins – Crystal Grove Diamond Mine and Campground