While geodes may seem quite dull and grey on the outside, the magic you’ll stumble upon inside a geode is a whole other story!
Although you’re probably already aware of this, let’s clarify for the people in the back as well; geodes are mysteriously beautiful rocks that are like nature’s surprise eggs for kids (and adults!).
These round rocks are hollow on the inside and lined with compact crystals such as amethyst or agate.
Geodes can be found throughout the entire world, but especially around locations such as deserts, volcanic grounds and limestone rich areas. You can find geodes in South America, but also in various locations around Australia, Africa and the US.
In this article we’ll take a closer look at where the best geodes can be found, how to actually hunt them and how you can find out whether your geode is real or not.
By the time you’re done reading this article you’ll also know which color geode is the rarest and how you can get your own hands on these amazing gifts of nature!
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Table of Contents
Where Are The Best Geodes Found?
The best quality geodes can be found in South American countries such as Brazil and Uruguay, as these countries are known for their exceptional stunning crystal geodes.
However, also throughout a large part of the (western) United States and some African countries like Namibia, you will find yourself pleasantly surprised with some breathtaking geodes.
There are literally thousands of different locations around the world where you can find these magical rocks.
The best type of geodes that are considered geodes of the highest quality, are geodes that have the brightest natural colors inside.
Looking at an amethyst geode for example, the deeper the purple color, the higher the quality.
Some of the best (and largest) amethyst geodes can be found within volcanic rocks in Minas Gerais, which is a state in Southeastern Brazil.
How To Hunt For Geodes
The most important aspect to keep in mind when wanting to go hunt for geodes is to make sure you’re in an area where there are actually geodes to be found.
The best places to successfully find geodes are, as mentioned earlier, around limestone rich areas, volcanic areas and deserts.
When you live in the US, you are quite lucky as almost every state will have places where you’ll be able to find them.
States that are specifically known for their high geode density are Arizona, Utah, Nevada and California, so mostly the western United States.
A great way to find awesome spots to hunt for geodes is to contact a local mineral club.
At these clubs you will find fellow geode and mineral enthusiasts who will likely be more than happy to provide you with some helpful information.
Also, most of these clubs are known to organize field trips which you could join to gather some useful experience as a newbie geode hunter (and maybe make some great friends with a shared passion along the way as well!)
Now when you’re out there hunting for geodes (with or without your mineral club buddies), you should be looking for round rocks with an uneven, rutted texture.
The size of geodes may vary from a marble to the impressive size of a basketball (make sure to read all the way through to the end of this post to get your hands on one of these yourself!).
Also when you find a rock that you suspect of being a geode, it is important to pick it up and check its weight.
As most geodes are quite hollow, based on the size of the stone, you should be able to sort of estimate and feel whether you’re dealing with a geode.
When the stone feels lighter than you’d suspect a regular stone of its size to weigh, then you’ve probably hit the geode jackpot!
How To Spot & Identify Geodes
Identifying geodes truly is an exciting adventure, as these natural wonders hide their sparkling interiors beneath a plain exterior.
Here’s how you can identify geodes:
Shape
Geodes often have a spherical or slightly oblong shape.
Look for round or egg-like rocks that stand out from their surroundings.
Texture
Geodes typically have a rough and bumpy outer surface, resembling the texture of a dinosaur egg.
This outer layer is known as the “rind.”
Weight
Geodes are usually heavier than they appear due to the crystalline structures inside.
When compared to other rocks of similar size, they may feel surprisingly weighty.
Color
The outer layer of a geode can be an ordinary rock color, but some may show hints of the crystals inside.
However, color alone is not a definitive indicator.
Knocking Test
Gently tap the geode with a hammer or another rock.
If it sounds hollow, like there’s an empty space inside, it might be a geode.
However, this method isn’t foolproof.
Subtle Cracking
Some geodes have small cracks or lines on the surface that indicate a potential opening.
Be careful not to damage the geode while exploring these cracks.
How To Open A Geode
Once you’ve found a rock that you suspect to be a geode, the only way to be sure is to crack it open and reveal the (hopefully) hidden beauty inside!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to break open your geode:
Materials You’ll Need
– A geode (ok captain obvious)
– A geode cracker or hammer
– Chisel (optional)
– Towel or cloth
Steps:
1. Safety First
Put on your safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands during the process.
2. Select A Safe Area
Find a stable surface outdoors or in a well-ventilated area where you can safely crack open the geode without worrying about debris or flying rock fragments.
3. Wrap The Geode
Lay the geode on a towel or cloth to prevent it from rolling around while you work on it.
4. Examine The Geode
Take a close look at the geode’s exterior.
Identify any natural cracks or lines that might indicate a potential opening point.
These lines could be where the geode cracked naturally during its formation.
5. Position The Geode Cracker Or Hammer
Hold the geode cracker (a tool specifically designed for breaking geodes) or a hammer with a chisel end over the spot you’ve chosen to break.
Make sure you have a firm grip on the tool.
6. Apply Pressure
Gently tap the geode cracker or hammer against the chosen spot.
Apply light pressure at first to create a small indentation.
If using a hammer and chisel, angle the chisel’s edge slightly toward the geode.
7. Increase Pressure
Gradually increase the force of your taps while maintaining control.
The goal is to create a fracture along the natural line or crack.
8. Rotate The Geode
As you tap and apply pressure, rotate the geode slightly.
This helps distribute the force evenly and encourages a clean break along the natural lines.
9. Crack Open The Geode
With continued tapping and rotation, the geode should start to crack open.
It might not happen in one clean break, so be patient and gentle with your approach.
10. Safety Precautions
As the geode starts to crack, be mindful of any flying rock fragments.
Keep your safety goggles on and consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt for extra protection.
11. Reveal The Crystals
Once the geode is cracked open, carefully separate the two halves.
Inside, you’ll discover the sparkling crystals that have been hidden within.
Gently remove any loose fragments to get a clearer view of the interior.
12. Enjoy the Discovery
Take a moment to admire the beautiful crystals you’ve uncovered.
Celebrate the natural wonder of the geode’s formation and the unique beauty it holds.
Do keep in mind that safety is paramount throughout the process.
Always wear your safety gear, work in a controlled manner and be patient as you reveal the hidden treasures inside your geode.
Can You Find Geodes In Your Backyard?
While the backyard might be a little bit too ambitious when it comes to finding geodes, the possibility to be able to find geodes in your own garden totally depends on where you actually live.
If you live in any type of urban area, you’d better spare yourself the unnecessary blood sweat and tears, as it’s highly unlikely you’ll find geodes in your backyard (unless you’re lucky enough to live next door to some mineral obsessed neighbour, who happens to play hide and seek with rocks in the garden.. but what are the odds huh?).
Now if you’re one of the few fortunate ones to live in close proximity to any limestone rich area, you might be able to find geodes in your backyard (or very close to it).
How Do You Know A Geode Is Real?
Wondering whether your geode is real or fake is something you really don’t have to worry about.
As beautiful as geodes are, they just aren’t valuable enough, so you’ll most probably won’t ever come across a fake one.
The costs of creating a fake geode will be higher than actually buying and selling real geodes, so it simply wouldn’t make sense. Geodes are actually quite affordable.
You can recognize geodes by their round shape and rough touch.
Most of the time the outside of the geode will have a brown or grey color. Most geodes have a white interior, however it’s also possible to find geodes having (light) pink, purple or blue colors on the inside.
When you’re buying geodes that are already cracked open however, it is advised to take a clear look at the colors of the inside of the geode.
Sometimes, the geodes are given an extra layer of a bright painted color to make them look more attractive. In this case, the geode itself will be real, but the colors might be a bit cheated.
When a geode looks too good to be true, be carefull.
Most geodes are beautiful on the inside, yet don’t have extremely bright colors.
If you come across a fairly high priced and bright colored geode, I’d advise you get it checked by a mineral expert before getting yourself a geode with an unwanted paint job.
What Is The Rarest Geode Color?
The rarest geode colors are blue, pink, black and even rainbow colored. The crystals these geodes contain are often respectively gem silica, rhodochsorite, black calcite and opal.
When you’re lucky enough to find geodes with these types of characteristics, keep them close as you might have come across some true gems here!
Break Your Own Geodes!
When you’ve come to the conclusion you’re not actually that close to a nice geode hunting spot (or just not warming up to the idea of digging up dirt until your face turns blue), I have found the perfect solution for you!
With one of the awesome geode breaking kits which you can check out below, your precious geodes will be delivered right to your doorstep so you can start cracking straight away.
How exciting!
Each set contains authentic geodes that have never been opened yet so it is up to you to find out what amazing surprise awaits you on the inside!
I personally love these kits and the great reviews seem to absolutely agree with me as well.
Go check them out, when you’re into geodes like me, you definitely won’t regret it!
National Geographic Premium Geode Kit
This awesome geode kit from National Geographic is my personal favourite.
You’ll receive a set with a total of 10 real premium geodes, including protection goggles and display stands to show off your pretty treasures.
A truly outstanding and affordable kit for anyone wanting to give cracking open some geodes a try!
Break Your Own Geodes Science Kit
This Break Your Own Geodes Kit is another great option to consider.
You’ll receive 25(!) medium size, easy to open high quality Moroccan geodes with amazing quartz crystals inside.
The reviews for this product are absolutely raving, perfect for a truly unique gift!
Gigantic Geode Kit
This is one I just couldn’t resist sharing with you.
What is even better than cracking open geodes you ask?
Well.. cracking open one very large geode!
Discover incredible crystals with this beautiful gigantic geode kit waiting for you to hammer straight to the goodies!
Check out some of my related geode posts as well:
Best Large Natural Amethyst Crystal Clusters And Geodes For Your Home