Travel Around Planet

Archive for March, 2011

Treasure Hunting For Herkimer Diamonds

Herkimer diamonds are double terminated quartz crystals that are found in Herkimer County New York hence the name. These crystals have usually have a shape that is very similar to diamonds with 18 facets and two terminators or points at the end. These beautiful gemstones were formed close to five hundred million years ago. They are formed extremely slowly in pockets of rock and can be clear or cloudy in color and may be found in a verity of colors depending on the impurities present in the crystal.

Herkimer Diamond

These quarts crystals range in size from microscopic to over eight inches long and three to four inches wide and in rare cases even larger. The best gem quality crystals are usually found in the one half inch to one inch range and will have excellent clarity which is the reason they are nicknamed diamonds. As the crystals become larger in size they tend to become less clear.

Herkimer diamonds are naturally faceted and have a hardness rating of 7 where diamonds have a hardness of 10 and it must be cut to give it smooth faces and the traditional diamond like shape.

How are they formed?

Millions of years ago calcium magnesium carbonate was deposited on the ocean floor. As more and more of the sediments were deposited on the ocean floor the calcium magnesium carbonate and other minerals was compress into a rock strata called Dolostone which is quite similar to limestone. Cracks can develop in the dolostone and then sea water will dissolve part of the rock leaving pockets where the quarts crystals form. Pockets can contain from 1 to thousands of these quarts crystals of all sizes. These pockets usually range in size from inch to six feet in diameter.

Many of the crystal prospectors believe that they contain metaphysical properties. They are believed to be able to activate your third eye and enhance the dreaming state. When worn they may bring about a greater access to your psychic abilities.

At Herkimer Diamond Mine located in Herkimer County New York you can purchase an allday prospecting ticket for around 10. Prospectors can dig through the rubble near the mine area and break open rocks looking for the Herkimer diamond deposits. Common tools used for prospecting are a 2 to 3 pound hammer chisel crowbar safety glasses gloves 5 gallon bucket with water and some type of hoe or rake to move the piles of broken rock around. Basic tools can be supplied by the mine staff with proper identification. Visit the Herkimer diamond web site for current hours of operations and prices.

Up to 500 people a day from all around the world may visit the mine to prospect. Hunting for Herkimer diamonds is great fun and a lot of hard work. If you are lucky your will find a large pocket of crystal within the quarry walls. One or more of the diamonds may be found by searching the rock rubble near the quarry walls scattered across the quarry floor with little or no effort. Another common prospect method is to select and break open a rock with a heavy hammer and look for a cavity with crystals imbedded within.

Happy treasure hunting.

About the writer:  David Cowley has created numerous articles on Treasure Hunting. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Treasure Hunting. Visit Treasure Hunting

The Guide To Edinburgh

Edinburgh has been the capitol city of Scotland 1437 and it is the second largest city in Scotland. The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and it is second only to London for popularity in the UK.

Attractions
In Edinburgh there are plenty of attractions within the city centre but one of the main attractions is simply to walk around the New and Old Town areas of the city. Here you can enjoy the many historic buildings and the wonderful architecture that is all over the.

Edinburghs most popular attraction is Edinburgh Castle this icon of Edinburgh overlooking the city centre on the elevated site of Castle Rock. There is a rich history that accompanies the castle and this starts in 1093 and it has seen its share of violence and political intrigue. Robert the Bruce Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie have all played parts in making the castes interesting history.

Within the city centre you can enjoy some excellent free attractions two of the most popular are The Museum of Scotland and Botanical. Both are within a few minutes walk of the city centre and are ideal for people visiting Edinburgh on a budget or looking for a family event.

Places to stay

Edinburgh offers some of the highest quality accommodation in Scotland with a large selection of luxury hotels available. Two of the most famous hotels in Edinburgh are The Balmoral Hotel and the Scotsman both of which are situated in the city centre and offer high quality five star accommodation.

If you dont have a 100 to spend for a nights accommodation then dont worry because ther is also some excellent budget hostel accommodation available. These start from only 8 per night per person for a bed in a dorm room. One of the most popular is Smart City which has a city centre location and some excellent facilities.

Events

The summer is when Edinburgh comes alive with festivals and events taking place during July and August. The two best known and most popular are the Military tattoo at Edinburgh Castle and The International Fringe Festival.

The Tattoo runs for three weeks through August and takes place in Edinburgh Castle it is very popular and often fully booked well in advance of the performances. It is therefore a good idea to always try and book tickets quite far in advance.

The fringe festival boats the title of being the world largest arts festival with hundred of acts of varying quality participating every year. There is a good selection of both paid and free shows that take place and it can be a great place for new performers to break through as it is open to everybody.

Transport

Edinburgh is service by a very good international Airport which is only a few miles outside the city centre. From here you can get flights to over 40 European cities and also top international destinations such as New York and Atlanta. A regular bus service runs to and from the city centre to the airport and it costs around 5.

There are two train stations in Edinburgh Haymarket is a couple of miles outside the city centre and is close to Murrayfield rugby stadium. Waverley is in the city centre and only a couple of minutes walk away from Princes Street. You can get trains from here to all the major cities in Scotland and also a direct train from to London which takes around 4hrs 30min.

There is a very efficient bus service that runs in the city centre of Edinburgh with most leaving around every 510mins to all the main areas of the city and surrounding regions such as Leith and Corstrorphine. Fares start from only 1 for a single journey and only 2.50 for a day ticket. You can also get city connection buses to Dundee Glasgow and Perth with CityLink or Megabus with special fares starting at only 1.

About the writer:  The author of this article is an internet entrepreneur whom has extensive knowledge of affiliate marketing and Search Engine Optimisation. He has designed and developed a small group of travel websites which include Rooms in Scotland and Rooms in Edinburgh

Bricktown Oklahoma City

Bricktown Oklahoma City is an entertainment district in downtown Oklahoma that offers plenty of attractions and activities to make the casual visitor stay on. Key points of reference in the district are the ATamp;T Bricktown Ballpark and the Bricktown Canal. Once a warehouse district the renovated Bricktown is known for its restaurants bars dance clubs retail shops sporting facilities condos and entertainment options. A Bricktown escapade would provide great entertainment for the entire family.

The canal is one of the refreshing and natural parts of Bricktown. Its a milelong pedestrian canal great for taking a stroll and watching the entire district of Bricktown Oklahoma City in action. Traveling in any of the water taxies that operate on the canal provides an unparalleled experience.

The ATamp;T Bricktown Ballpark is one of the chief areas of attraction. Located to the immediate east of downtown Oklahoma City it has been the venue for many intense baseball games. The Cross Bar Gallery in West Reno is a onestop shop for everything required for the ranch and western home. The Gallery features the most exhaustive collection of western art in the region. The Bass Pro Shops offer any equipment needed for an outdoor adventure.

Dining in Bricktown is a great experience with many casual and fine dining restaurants. Bricktown Brewery is known for its quality beers and great food. Its also where visitors can enjoy the entertainment offered. The Brewery features 13 billiard tables electronic darts big screen TVs and shuffle board. Business meetings wedding receptions parties and specialized meetings such as gettogethers can be arranged at the Bricktown Brewery. Blackjack craps and roulette tables are also offered.

Walking by the canal taking a water taxi watching a great game shopping dining and gaming are only a few among the many entertainment options. Head to Bricktown Oklahoma City for the weekend and feel the heartbeat of this growing entertainment district. The premium hotels located in this region provide comfortable accommodation and arrange tours to all interesting locations.

About the writer:  Oklahoma City Hotels The Bricktown Hotel and Convention Center is one of the finest hotels in Oklahoma City and is located only 1.5 miles from Downtown’s Bricktown center. Shuttle services are available to the Bricktown Oklahoma City from the hotel.