Tools for Mining Herkimer Diamonds

Gloves

• A pair of waterproof gloves with superior dexterity and grip will help you work with the jagged dolostone. Gloves that have a storm cuff with a cinch are recommended as they help keep debris out.
  
  

Eyewear

• Eyewear will protect your eyes from flying debris. A cheap pair of sun glasses or safety goggles are both appropriate forms of eye wear, although sun glasses will also protect you from UV rays. Most of the diamond mines are in open areas with little to no shade.
  
  

Hammer

• Herkimer Mines provides 3 to 5 lb. rock hammers to help visitors break apart rock. Once you have a large chunk of rock, you use smaller tools to delicately search for diamonds. Guests can use up to a 12-pound sledge hammer.
  
  

Chisel

• The diamonds are situated inside rock cavities and can be difficult to mine. Using a hand-held chisel gives you more control in loosening diamonds.
  
  

Buckets

• Buckets are helpful when sifting through rock in search of gems. A bucket with a handle is the easiest to carry.
  
  

Screeners

• A screener can be placed on top of the bucket to sort through loose gravel. The larger diamonds are left above the screener for you to keep.