Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Sam Lagor, MSc. Sam Lagor is a Geologist with over eight years of experience. He specializes in engineering geology (dams, bridges, and tunnels) and mineral exploration (gold, lead/zinc, andindustrial minerals). Sam holds a BS in Geology from St. Lawrence University and an MS in Geology from The University of Vermont. He is also a member of the Geological Society of America and the American Institute of Professional Geologists.
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If you've discovered a geode (a rounded rock formation with crystals or banding inside), you'll want to crack it open as safely and neatly as possible. Every geode is unique, and could hold anything from clear, pure quartz crystals to rich purple amethyst crystals, or perhaps agate, chalcedony, or minerals like dolomite.[1] Fortunately, there's more than one way to crack open a geode...
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. This is likely to result in the geode fragmenting into more than two pieces, but it is the most suitable method for kids, though not recommended for particularly valuable/rare geodes.[3]- Rock hammers are made with reinforced steel, making them stronger than your typical carpenter hammer.
Rotate rock a bit, then strike again to create a line around the circumference of the stone.
Repeat, as necessary, until the rock splits open. Patience is key; if the geode is hollow, it will probably take a few minutes of gentle scoring to open it, but if the geode is solid, it'll take longer.[5]
Use a cast iron pipe snap cutter. This common plumber's tool can aid you in splitting a geode symmetrically, that is, into two equal halves. Wrap the tool's bicycle-type chain around your geode.[6]
Feed the chain into the tool securely around geode.
Pull down the handle to apply equal tension around the geode. It should crack smoothly all around. (This is the least destructive method that displays a geode in a natural form.)
Community Q&A
- QuestionWhy should I use a sledgehammer?
Community AnswerIt is not recommended to use a sledgehammer as it will smash the geode into many pieces and can destroy the crystals/formations inside. Hammer and chisel is a much better method. - QuestionHow are geodes made?
Community AnswerOver many years, mineral water seeps into the rock. As the water makes its way through the rock, the minerals get sifted out, and are left behind in the rock in a crystalline formation according to the type of minerals in the water. - QuestionDo I have to put it in a sock when breaking it open?Community AnswerNo, but the method provides a good measure of safety by preventing the pieces from flying all over the place.
Tips
- Geodes that rattle when shaken may be hollow and contain free floating fully-terminated crystals, such as quartz.Thanks
- Place geode on a larger rock at ground-level, or upon sand (never wood, like a picnic table or deck floor) to promote the best results of your tool striking your geode safely and cleanly.Thanks
- Sometimes smaller geodes may be solid inside, yet still attractive. Even filled geodes can be chock-full of beautifully banded agates.Thanks
Warnings
- Always be careful and follow general safety procedures for rockhounding and tool use. Be mindful of any folks (or animals) observing you cracking open your geode, as rock shards you create may fly towards the onlookers, and injure them. With safety in mind, please enjoy your geodes.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://geology.com/articles/geodes/
- ↑ https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/crack-open-geode-project/
- ↑ http://www.geodegallery.com/breakinggeodes.html
- ↑ http://www.gatorgirlrocks.com/resources/best-ever-guides/geodes---how-to-open-a.html
- ↑ http://www.geodegallery.com/video/keokuk_pp.ppt (PowerPoint file)
- ↑ http://www.americangeode.com/cracking.php
About This Article
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"I'm glad I had enough to play with. I did chisel some but I couldn't stand it! I had to break out the big sledge hammer. What exciting fun! You've just got to do it."..." more
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