BACK TO MICRO CRYSTALS
OVERALL APPEAL (OA)
Overall Appeal (or OA) is a short hand we use when describing the quality of Herks. Overall Appeal is subjective, but based on viewing, and inspecting thousands of Herkimer crystals. We look at the crystal shape, color, and overall condition. We look at how the crystal stands, or presents, and where the flaws are located. We consider the rarity of each crystal form. All together, these qualities make up crystal's Overall Appeal. The scale is simple: 1 for little appeal, 10 for it couldn't be better.
 

GENERAL GRADING SYSTEM

At Herks.com we use a grading scale of 1-5 as a standard measure for crystal quality. We are well aware of the scale AAA-D often seen associated with Herks, with grading interpretations inconsistent not only across the market, but within vendor stock.

Ours goes like this:

Herks.Com Crystal Grading
  Interior Exterior Example
#1
  • Clear
  • Small inclusions
  • All faces good
  • Two clean tips
  • Bright
  • No chips or contacts
 Grade 1 Example
#2
  • Mostly clear
  • Small internal flaws
  • Mostly bright
  • At least 1 clean tip
  • Small chip or contact
 Grade 2 Example
#3
  • Somewhat cloudy
  • Somewhat fissured
  • Overall good Herkimer shape
  • Missing tip
  • Some chip or contact
  • Some matrix contact
 Grade 3 Example
#4
  • Semi opaque to opaque
  • Discoloration
  • Mostly fissured
  • Overall shape irregular
  • Missing tips
  • Large contact or chip
  • Other mineral attachments
 Grade 4 Example
#5
  • Nearly opaque to opaque.
  • Major flaws
 Grade 5 Example
  Also Available: Points and Pieces
Points and Pieces
 Points and Pieces Example

 

    
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