Hobbies And Interests
Formation
Geodes form within cavities in limestone, mudrocks, dolomites and some volcanic rocks. Over time, minerals in groundwater are deposited inside the cavity to form a tough lining containing crystals that project into the interior.
Contents
Quartz crystals are commonly deposited within geodes, ranging from colorless quartz to purple amethyst to pink rose quartz. Other minerals that occur include ankerite, celestite, magnetite, pyrite (fool's gold), fluorite, chalcopyrite and marcasite.
Collection
If a person owns the land on which the geodes occur, they have the mineral rights to sell the geodes. If geodes occur on public land, check with local laws and ordinances. The Bureau of Land Management allows collection of limited specimens for personal use but requires a license, lease or permit for commercial collection.
Selling Geodes
Geodes are widely available at rock shops, mineral shows and online. They can be purchased already cut open and polished and ready for exhibit or unopened, permitting the purchaser to discover what the geode holds.