If you find a geode (or geode, which is a round rock formation containing crystals or banded structures within), you'll want to open it as safely and neatly as possible. Each geode is unique and can contain anything from pure clear quartz crystals to deep purple amethyst (amethyst) crystals, or perhaps agate, chalcedony, or minerals such as dolomite. Fortunately, there is more than one way to unlock geodes.
Step
Step 1. Put on protective goggles before opening the geode
Method 1 of 5: Hammer Method
Step 1. Put the geoda in a sock and place it on the ground
Step 2. Take a small sledgehammer or rock hammer (preferably not a construction hammer such as a claw hammer), and strike the top-center of the geoda
You may need to do this several times until the geode opens. This method may break the geoda into more than two parts, but it is most suitable for children, so it is not recommended for very valuable or rare geodes.
Method 2 of 5: The Encrusted Method
Step 1. Take a stone inlay (chisel) or flat-edged inlay
Place the eye on the top-center of the geoda, then hit the inlay with a sledgehammer. Tap lightly to break only the outside of the rock.
Step 2. Rotate the geoda slightly, then hit again to make a line around the rock
Step 3. Repeat as needed until the geode is split
Patience is key. If the geoda turns out to be hollow, it may take a few minutes to gently hit it until it splits open. However, if the geoda turns out to be solid, it will take longer.
Method 3 of 5: Collision Method
Step 1. Bang the geoda with another, larger geoda
This method will only work if you can control the impact of the stones in your hand. Use this method only for small geodes the size of a golf ball.
Method 4 of 5: Cast Iron Pipe Cutter
Step 1. Use a cast iron pipe cutter
This is a common plumber's tool that can help split a geode symmetrically, that is, into two exactly equal parts. Loop the tool section similar to a bicycle chain around the geoda.
Step 2. Insert the chain into the tool so that it can fasten the geode firmly
Step 3. Pull the handles to apply an equal amount of tension around the geoda
The Geoda will split in half neatly. (This is the cleanest method that can produce the appearance of the geoda in its natural form.)
Method 5 of 5: Diamond Bladed Saw Method
Step 1. Use a short-cut diamond-bladed saw to open the geode or split it in half
(Note that oil can damage the interior of some geodes.)
Tips
- Geodes that crackle when shaken may be hollow and contain loose, free-floating crystals, such as quartz.
- Place the geoda on a larger rock at ground level or on sand (never on wood, such as a picnic table or porch floor) for the best results that are safe and tidy when the geoda is struck.
- Sometimes the smaller geodes are solid inside, but still attractive. Even a full geode may contain a beautiful band of agate.
