Identify an Unopened Geode
Geodes are very interesting rocks with cool hollows filled with crystal. They are found mainly in Utah, Mexico, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Illinois, Texas and the Geode State Park in Iowa, but they can be found almost anywhere. Geodes can contain many different types of rocks including amethyst, quartz, agate, jade, etc.
Geodes look much like other similar rocks, with a few key differences.
Steps
- Shape
- Look for round or oval shaped rocks. Sharp, pointy rocks are not likely to yield a geode no matter how often you hammer at them.
- Bumps
- Look for a lumpy surface, that looks somewhat like a cauliflower.
- Break open the rock with your rock hammer. There is no easy way to determine what is inside your lumpy, roundish rock until you break it open.
- Use a reliable guide map when you search for geodes. Rockhounds have gone before you and can get you into areas where finding a geode is much more likely.
- Cut and polish your geode to bring out the most in it's beauty.
Tips
- You can also sometimes tap the rock to check if it is a geode, geodes sound hollow because the inside is crystals.
- Pay close attention to your surroundings and never go rock hunting, exploring or spelunking alone. No rock is worth your life or safety.
- If the rock you think may be a geode is lighter than it looks, it is probably a geode (they are hollow, thus weighing less).
- Check the outer surface of the rock. If you are lucky, a little bit of the coloration from the crystals will be visible.
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