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Instructions to Break Open Geodes

While they may seem like regular rocks on the outside, geodes hold a surprise. Geodes are a type of crystal formation in sedimentary or volcanic rock. A result of crystals growing inside of rock cavities, they can be found hollow or solid. Hollow geodes are prized for their beauty, but only if they are opened carefully. With the correct tools, you can open and display your own geodes.

Things You'll Need

Hammer
Flat-faced chisel
Safety glasses

Instructions

Opening a Geode
- 1
  Place the rock on a hard surface. Using a hammer and chisel, score a straight line all the way around the geode. Don't strike too hard, as you may crush it. The line creates a weak point so you can crack the geode in half.
- 2
  Continue chiseling on the line until a crack begins to appear. If a crack does not appear, strike slightly harder until it does.
- 3
  Follow the crack around the geode with the chisel, alternating sides so that the rock casing cracks evenly. Once you have a crack all the way around, gradually expand it with the chisel until the geode falls open or can be opened by hand.

Rock Collecting