How to open Geodes

A Geode is a stone that results from a rock cavity filling in the minerals and creating crystal structures or banding. These geodes are hollow, while filled in geodes are in fact called nodules. These particular stones are usually round and found predominantly in Mexico, much of the western US, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, just to name a few places.

Now there are two main methods to open a geode. One is to saw said geode into two bits with a stone saw. Of course this is a rather long (and depending on the saw) expensive process. Also it damages the inside of the geode (some geodes from Mexico look better after they have been sawed and polished thought).

To chisel a geode apart you will need one hammer, and one chisel. Also acquire eye protection to keep bits from flying and hitting your eyes.

Score the geode all the way around the circumference with the hammer and chisel. Next keep following this score until you see a crack develop.

Next follow the crack slowly and carefully widening it. This will not only protect the inside crystal formations but also make sure you open the geode the way you want to open it.

Whenever you have two halves of geode you are done. You can next decided to leave it as is or find someone with a stone polisher to pretty the geode up or leave it as is for a nice conversation piece.