How to crack geodes

How do you open a geode without a saw? Sledgehammer Method. Put the geode in a sock and set on the ground. Take a small Sledgehammer or a rock hammer preferably not a construction hammer, such as a claw hammer and strike the top center of the geode.

A couple of strikes might be required to fully crack open this rock. Set the geode on the concrete, place the chisel in the middle, and tap it very gently a few times with the hammer. Turn the geode a quarter turn and do this again. Continue scoring along the circumference of the geode until you see a crack form all the way around, then pull the two halves apart. According to Answers. By using a chisel, you can concentrate the force of your hammer on a smaller surface, scoring a line around the outside of your geode to facilitate a clean break.

If you are simply using a hammer, you may end up smashing the geode into many small pieces, so using a chisel with a hammer is recommended. Some people prefer using a rock saw to cut the rock in half. The rarest and most valuable geodes contain amethyst crystals and black calcite.

Tell-Tale Signs of a Geode Geodes are usually spherical, but they always have a bumpy surface. Geodes will sometimes have loose material inside, which can be heard when shaking the rock.

Although the geode is embedded in rocks that are about million years old, the crystals themselves are much younger than that. Whether you found a whole, unopened geode, or purchased an intact geode from from a retailer; the real fun of geodes comes in the initial opening of the geode. Though this method of opening geodes can lead to beautifully presentable, precisely cut geodes or geode slices. So what do we do? Well, for the average rockhound like you and I, opening a geode may be a more forceful and less precise process.

A very simple way to crack a geode is simply to place the geode inside of a sock or fabric bag to contain the soon to be broken pieces. With the geode in a bag, gently striking the geode with a rock-hammer, sledgehammer, or even a harder rock should facture the geode just enough to crack it open. With this method, your geode will most likely end up in a few different pieces.

With a little practice and some luck, you might be able to split a geode in half. But keep in mind that cracking open a geode like this will always result in edges that are rough and uneven.

If you want a little more precision to produce a more iconic image of a perfectly split geode into two fairly equal pieces, the hammer and chisel method is the way to go. A hammer and chisel accompanied with a little patience and skill should do the trick in cracking open a geode. With the chisel, slowly tap your way around the circumference of the rock. If you take your geode to a small rock store or similar professional, they'll be able to open your geode with an even cut. Most times they will charge a small fee.

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you aren't able to travel to a nearby geode site, you can always buy a kit online that will allow you to crack open your very own geode. Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0. When going to a natural forest, park, or other similar outdoor spot, be sure to call ahead or look online to make sure geode collecting is allowed. You don't want to remove rocks from a preserved site.

Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0. There are websites online that will list all of the rock and mineral collecting sites, as well as any geode or rock clubs in your area. Wear protective eyewear when splitting open your geodes so that small pieces don't fly into your eyes.

Helpful 16 Not Helpful 1. You Might Also Like How to. How to. Expert Interview. More References 8. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: 5. Updated: October 26, Categories: Rocks and Minerals. Article Summary X To find geodes, look in riverbeds, limestone areas, and volcanic ash beds in countries where geodes are often found, like the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Madagascar.

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. To me, all rocks were just that: rocks! But I learned so much that it actually sparked my curiosity for understanding the process and makeup of different types of geodes and the importance of location, too.

More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Monique Meyers Jun 24, LaFawn Skipper Oct 5, Especially happy I did this time.

I think I may have found myself a new hobby. I am excited and ready to hunt for geodes. Dennis Welch Feb 5, This is a very informative article for a budding geologist's uneducated grandfather.

Thank you. Kimberly Waterbury May 12, T this will definitely help all 3 of us on identification of geodes! It's truly amazing making memories that will last a lifetime with my girls. Rick Goodwill Jan 3, Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories.

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