How to Find Geodes at Cumberland Lake

Geodes are highly collectible, sometimes valuable, treasure-filled rocks. Geodes are typically round or oblong rocks covered with a bumpy exterior. Once split or cracked open, geodes reveal a hollow interior pocket filled with multi-sized, sparkling crystals. Crystal coloration can range from clear to deep purple, depending on the mineral content of the geode. Geodes range in size from one inch to 25 feet. Cumberland Lake in Kentucky is known to geode collectors all over the world for its 1,220 miles of geode-rich coastline.

Things You'll Need

• Map of Cumberland Lake
• Bucket
• Eye protection
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Old sock

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Study a map of Cumberland Lake to find public access areas.

   • 2

     Walk the shoreline of the lake. Look for geodes lying about on the ground. Collect round or egg-shaped rocks with a bumpy exterior. Place specimens in a bucket.

   • 3

     Wade into the water. Geodes are often found in 1 to 3 feet of water.

   • 4

     Explore rocky outcrops. Embedded geodes may be exposed in weather-worn sandstone.

   • 5

     Gather several likely specimens. Find a spot to take a break and inspect the collection of geodes.

   • 6

     Put on the safety glasses. The only way to be sure if a specimen is a geode is to crack it open.Take one of the rocks out of the bucket and set it on the ground. Take a chisel and place the tapered end on top of the geode. Hold the chisel firmly. With a hammer in the other hand, hit the chisel head hard and repeatedly until the rock splits open. Specimens the size of a softball or larger can be valuable.