Area 52 / 53 (Herkimer County)

Dates:

Meetup Information

Location: McDonald’s, 37 Riverside Drive, Fultonville, NY 12072
Time: 9:00 AM SHARP
Spots are limited to 30 participants – groups of no more than 3

 

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Age Requirements

• Minimum age: 7 years old

• Anyone 17 years old and under must be under constant adult supervision

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Pricing

• Day 1 (Saturday): $50

• Day 2 (Sunday add-on): $25

• Camping: FREE (bring your own tent, camper, or RV)

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Tools & Equipment

• Power tool use: FREE (bring your own tools and generator)

• Battery-powered tool use: FREE (BYO tools and batteries)

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Collecting Experience

You’ll get hands-on mining experience in one of two ways:

• Hard Rock Mining: Similar to most Herkimer diamond dig sites.

• Dump Digging: Explore dump piles where collectors have found specimens worth hundreds of dollars!

What you find is yours to keep – up to $2,000 per specimen (Shane is known for generous under-pricing). You may collect more than $2,000 in total specimens, but any single piece valued above $2,000 will be handled in collaboration with Shane.

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Important Notes

• Carry in – carry out policy: Please respect the site and take all trash with you, including cigarette butts.

• Limited spots available: Secure your place early before the 30 slots fill up!

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Why Join?

• Experience authentic Herkimer diamond mining in Fultonville, NY.

• Affordable family-friendly adventure with camping included.

• Chance to uncover specimens worth hundreds (or even thousands!).

• Connect with fellow rockhounds and enjoy the outdoors.

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Reserve your spot today for this Herkimer Diamond dig in Fultonville, NY and don’t miss out on an unforgettable weekend of discovery!

Fee: 50

Safety Information: Please bring plenty of food and water as the closest place is back down in town 15 minutes away.

Tools: Shovel, rake / hoe, garden claw, rock hammer / chisel(s), rock pick, pry bar(s), sledge if desired, bucket(s)

Max Number of Attendees: 30

Post Event Write-Up:

Participants: Groundhog Dave Shapiro, Hayley “Shakespeare” Nalepa, James Nalepa, Stephanie “Carpet Squares” Apgar, Ryan “Rock Around the Klock” Klockner, Bryan “Crystal Collector” Majors with Matrix; Arthur “Man of Mystery” Finkelshteyn, Brandon Tracey, Ken and Ofelia Napolitano; Anthony Jerussi, Suzanne, Jarrath and Nate Shaw; Greg Petra, Yu Lin, Karrie and Micah Kelley; Kristin Stine with Gennaro DeTullio; Peter Smidy, Dan Martinho, LaRonda Davis, Luca Prendini, Lizzie Brennan, Kim Vu; Brian DeVito, Mike Heinig with Coleen M.; Bill Truszkowski with Dana Cappa; Christine Skubish, Keith and Cassie McDougall.

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A Perfect Fall Day for Herkimer Diamond Collecting

This September, FM-NJ and NoJMS members were thrilled to receive an exclusive invitation from Shane and Sherry Moore of Area 51 Minerals to collect at their famous Area 52 and Area 53 Herkimer Diamond sites in upstate New York.

Thanks to Hayley “Shakespeare” Nalepa, who relayed the exciting news, the trip came together perfectly as fall collecting season kicked into high gear. Among the many great ideas during planning was providing a porta-john onsite—a thoughtful touch that made a long day in the quarry more comfortable for everyone.

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Community, Comfort, and Crystals

Shane and Sherry went above and beyond, not only preparing the site but also donating Herkimer crystals and other treasures for bright neon green “goodie boxes” given to every participant.

Support staff made sure no one went without a box, while Jim Nalepa kept everyone stocked with drinks, paper towels, bug spray, and even a first aid kit. Between vehicle repairs and impromptu doorstop construction, Jim was the day’s unsung hero.

The weather was absolutely ideal: fresh rains earlier in the week loosened the soil, and the crisp, sunny skies made for perfect visibility. Even better, the Area 51 team had just turned over the entire Area 52 site, giving our crew first crack at untouched material.

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Herkimer Diamond Finds and Field Discoveries

Almost immediately, collectors were pulling out Herkimer diamonds of every size and shape. Shane and his team pointed out prime collecting spots and shared expert advice on where to look within each pit. The result? Surface finds galore — from small double-terminated crystals to larger skeletal specimens.

Midway through the day, Shane showcased several massive, cantaloupe-sized skeletal Herkimer clusters from his private dig pit — jaw-dropping examples that drew admiration from the entire group.

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Notable Finds

• Hayley “Shakespeare” Nalepa & Sherry Moore: Stellar pocket of Herkimers in the private back pits.

• Arthur Finkelshteyn: Several 2-inch double-terminated skeletal Herks.

• Ofelia Napolitano: Multiple 2-inch double-terminated skeletal Herks.

• Ken Napolitano: Smaller 1 cm water-clear Herks, including some double-terminated crystals.

• Nate Shaw: Beautiful clear Herks under 1 cm, plus a few larger double-terminated pieces.

• Yu Lin: Variety of 1- to 2-inch Herks, some double-terminated.

• Will Truszkowski & Dana Cappa: Pocket of 1-inch double-terminated Herks and clusters.

• Lizzie Brennan, Kim Vu & Brian DeVito: Multiple pockets of Herks in varying sizes, including double-terminated pieces.

• Anthony Jerussi: One or two 2-inch double-terminated Herks.

(There were likely additional great finds not recorded — Groundhog’s notebook can only hold so much!)

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A Memorable Herkimer Dig

The 2025 FM-NJ / NoJMS Herkimer Diamond Dig at Area 52/53 was a huge success. Between the perfect weather, first-class hospitality, and incredible finds, everyone left with full buckets, smiles, and stories to share.

Many thanks again to Shane and Sherry Moore of Area 51 Minerals for opening their site and for their generosity. We’re already counting down the days to next year’s Herkimer adventure!