If you split one open, you can see the magical display that's inside, even though the rocks look like unexciting rocks on the surface.Whether you're going on a hiking trip or spending a day at the river with your family, geode hunting is a great activity for everyone.By researching nearby collecting sites, exploring limestone areas and riverbeds, and 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 at 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.For a better chance of finding a geode, explore these natural spots.In warm, shallow water areas, limestone is usually a shade of tan or bluish gray.The eruption of a volcano creates volcanic ash beds.California, Utah, Nevada, Iowa, and Arizona are all known for their geodes, but you can find them in most other states as well.Brazil, Mexico, and Uruguay all have a specific type of celestite.
Step 2: Call or visit the 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: A field trip with a gem and mineral club.
Gem and mineral clubs often go on field trips to look for geodes.You can go on field trips, attend meetings, and meet other people interested in gems and minerals if you join.Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club is one of the hundreds of gem and mineral clubs.You can find gem and mineral clubs near you.All of the information needed to join will be on their website.
Step 4: Take a private tour of an object.
You can visit designated mineral collecting sites in many states.You can discover and dig for rocks at these sites if you follow a tour guide to the collecting site.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 collecting site.
Step 5: There is a bumpy texture to rocks.
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.cauliflower is similar to 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: Make sure the rock's weight is checked.
Pick up another rock and compare weights, or shake your rock to see if it rattles around.Most other rocks are heavier because their center is sometimes hollow.The size of a pea can be as large as a basketball.
Step 8: Prepare to dig a bit.
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 point you in the right direction.
Step 9: A chisel and hammer are required to open the geode.
This is the most convenient way to open 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 the crack with a chisel and hammer.
Step 10: It's a good idea to put your geode in a sock before hammering it.
If you don't care about a clean break and have a small geode, put it in a sock and hammer it away.The method is great for kids.
Step 11: A heavier rock is needed to open your 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: You can use a saw or pipe cutter after you return.
If you want a clean cut, you can use a saw or pipe cutter.You won't be able to use them 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 take your geode to a small rock store or similar professional, they will be able to open it with an even cut.They usually charge a small fee.