If you split one open, you can see the amazing display that's inside.Whether you're going on a hiking trip or spending a day at the river with your family, geode hunting is an activity for everyone.By researching nearby collecting sites, exploring limestone areas and riverbeds, or calling your state's welcome center for information, you will be one step closer to cracking open those geodes to see what they have inside.
Step 1: geodes are often found in a location where you can visit.
There are many places where geodes can be found, such as riverbeds, limestone areas, or volcanic ash beds of deserts.There is a better chance of finding a geode if you explore these natural spots.In warm, shallow water areas, limestone is usually a shade of tan or bluish gray.Ash beds are formed from the eruption of a volcano.California, Utah, Nevada, Iowa, and Arizona are all known for their geodes, but you can find them in most other states as well.In addition to being known for having geodes, Brazil, Mexico, and Uruguay also have a specific type called the celestite.
Step 2: Visit your state's welcome center for more information.
If you want to find out more about rock and mineral sites in the area, call, email, or visit them in person at your state's welcome center.They can give you maps or guides to help you find what you're looking for.
Step 3: There is a gem and mineral club.
Gem and mineral clubs often go on field trips to look for geodes.If you join, you can go on field trips, attend meetings, and meet other people interested in gems and minerals.Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club is one of the hundreds of gem and mineral clubs.You can find a gem and mineral club online.All of the information needed to join will be on their website.
Step 4: You can take a private tour.
You can visit designated mineral collecting sites in many states.You can discover and dig for rocks with the guidance of a tour guide at these sites.You can find a private tour near you.Many of these sites cost money and require a bucket and proper clothing, so call ahead or check online to find out the details of the specific site.
Step 5: Look for rocks that are bumpy.
lumpy rocks are what you want to look for when searching.Avoid rocks with a very smooth surface because they have lots of bumps and texture to them.The cauliflower is similar to the eds in texture.
Step 6: There are rocks that are round or egg-shaped.
They are not perfect round, but they are round or oval-shaped.They shouldn't have sharp edges.
Step 7: Check the rock's weight.
Pick up another rock and compare weights, or shake your rock to see if it rattles around.The center of eds is sometimes hollow, which makes them lighter than other rocks.The size of a pea can range from the small to the large.
Step 8: Prepare to dig a little.
It's possible to find geodes sitting on the ground, but some may be under layers of dirt or rocks.If you don't immediately see your geodes at a designated site, be prepared to dig a little to uncover them.If you're looking for an ash bed, limestone area or a riverbed, you should use a shovel.It's possible that the water covered the geodes or that they were hidden under the ash.If you're on a field trip with a gem and mineral club, you should bring a shovel.Your guide may be able to show you places where you can dig.
Step 9: The geode can be opened using a hammer and chisel.
This is the most convenient way of opening a geode.Place your chisel in the middle of the rock and lightly use your hammer to make small dents in it.Keep chiseling in a circle around the rock until you see a crack form and then follow it with a chisel and hammer.
Step 10: If you want to avoid a mess, put your geode in a socks.
If you don't care about a clean break, put the small geode in a sock and hammer it away.The method is great for kids.
Step 11: You can use a heavier rock to open the geode.
You can use another rock if you don't have any tools.Smash your geode with a heavier rock, be careful not to do it too hard, or it could splinter into many tiny pieces.
Step 12: After you've returned home, use a saw or pipe cutter.
If you want a clean cut, you can use a saw or pipe cutter.You won't be able to use these tools in the field because they are more expensive.If you want to keep the geode in place while you work, you can wrap a chain around it.
Step 13: Go to a professional for a clean cut.
If you go to a small rock store or similar professional, they'll be able to open your geode with an even cut.They will usually charge a small fee.