How to open Geodes

Have you always wanted to be a rock hound? Do you see all the beautiful rocks and wish that you could find some of your own? Here is a quick guide to getting at least some type of beautiful stones out of geodes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hammer
• Chisel
• Eye protection
• Saw
• Stone polisher (if desired)

1. A Geode is a stone that results from a rock cavity filling in the minerals and creating crystal structures or banding. These geodes are hollow, while filled in geodes are in fact called nodules. These particular stones are usually round and found predominantly in Mexico, much of the western US, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, just to name a few places.

2. Now there are two main methods to open a geode. One is to saw said geode into two bits with a stone saw. Of course this is a rather long (and depending on the saw) expensive process. Also it damages the inside of the geode (some geodes from Mexico look better after they have been sawed and polished thought).

3. To chisel a geode apart you will need one hammer, and one chisel. Also acquire eye protection to keep bits from flying and hitting your eyes.

4. Score the geode all the way around the circumference with the hammer and chisel. Next keep following this score until you see a crack develop.

5. Next follow the crack slowly and carefully widening it. This will not only protect the inside crystal formations but also make sure you open the geode the way you want to open it.

6. Whenever you have two halves of geode you are done. You can next decided to leave it as is or find someone with a stone polisher to pretty the geode up or leave it as is for a nice conversation piece.

Tips & Warnings

• If you know a serious rock hound ask them if they have a pipe cutter. These usually are quick and you will almost always have equals halves of a geode.
• If you have small geodes and small children why not let them open one? Just put the geode in a sock and use a small hammer to open. This keeps pieces from flying everywhere.
• Wanting a geode but don't have them in your area? Many online auctions and actually website have them for sale.
• There is a certain chance for failure, ie not getting a geode to open as desired. Sometimes this can't be avoided. Just keep trying!

[lemonpeppoart]

on 4/22/2009 This is a great, informative article with tips and warnings that I would not have considered before opening my three geodes. Thanks very much!

[rickmac]

on 4/12/2009 I love geodes and the different crystals. They are like big jewels.

[bethandlee]

on 3/24/2009 Geodes are beautiful that is for sure. Thanks for the informative article. 5*

[kittykat3]

on 3/16/2009 Nice tips. 5*****