Grade A Herkimer Diamonds are all but perfect crystal gem stones, and all have double termination points. Small inclusions and rainbows or small attachment marks may also occur, but none will exceed 7-10% of the overall specimen. Grade A gem stones have beautiful clarity.

There are several methods for collecting Herkimer diamonds. The most strenuous involves spending a few days in at one spot and digging your way into a portion of the mine wall using chisels, picks and crowbars. Determination and some luck can yield a pocket in the Dolomite rock, filled with crystal gemstones. These pockets, or vugs are often lined with the sparkling drusy quartz as well. The Matrix page often has specimens that include drusy quartz.