Guide to Geodes

A geode is a hollow rock lined with an inside layer of sparkling crystals. On the outside, geodes appear nondescript and are easily overlooked. However, cracking open a geode will display an array of colorful crystals. Searching for these hollow rocks can be an elusive pastime, that might be enjoyed by anyone who likes studying and collecting rocks and minerals.

The formation of geodes is complex, and the process occurs over an extensive period of time. A geode begins as a hollow bubble located inside a layer of volcanic rock or another type of rock. These hollows could occur from tree roots or from animal burrows underground. With the formation of the rock, tiny air bubbles surrounded by the rock are initially hot. With the addition of moisture, chemicals are released into the water. Part of this mineral-rich water penetrates through the outer surface of the rock to the inside, which causes it to be trapped inside of the bubble. Tiny crystals remain inside the bubble sticking to the sides. Over thousands and millions of years, layers form inside of the space. These layers include both agate and quartz. Some geodes have tightly packed crystals inside of them, while others still have a cavity with crystals lining the interior surface.

Geode colors depend on the agate layer inside the rock and the type of crystals that form on the agate layer. Generally, the agate layer supplies the majority of the geode’s color. The color of the agate depends on how the minerals are distributed inside of the stone. If an abundance of iron oxide and cobalt are present, the colors will be red. If titanium is present, the colors will be in the blue family. Manganese produces pink coloration, while chromium and nickel result in green hues. The quartz on top of the agate are generally either white or transparent, but quartz may have coloration as well.

Geodes may be found all over, but they tend to be most prevalent in desert regions. Anywhere volcanic ash is a part of the landscape and places containing large amounts of limestone are ideal places to hunt for geodes. The State of Iowa has a significant geode deposit, even naming a state park after the stone. A large cave in Ohio called the Crystal Cave offers tours for visitors wishing to learn about geodes. Aside from desert and central regions in the United States, Mexico, Australia, and Brazil are common places where geodes are prevalent.

Crystal caves and vugs are the locations where geodes tend to form. A vug is a cavity that occurs inside rock with crystals lining the inside of the cavity. Vugs may form as a result of faulting or the collapse of rock, and they often contain secondary minerals inside of them. Crystal caves are often hidden and blocked by many tons of rocks, making them difficult to find. Scientists theorize that crystal caves form when salty sea water evaporated millions of years ago, leaving behind salty layers of sediment that eventually hardened into a crystal.

Scientists and those who enjoy geology consider geodes to be hidden treasures, waiting to be uncovered. Virtually anyone can choose a nondescript rock to crack open and find out what is hiding inside. Every geode is unique, and they vary widely in color, and crystal formation. Geodes can also be a variety of sizes from small to quite large. Opening a geode involves tapping it with a hammer. Some people prefer using a rock saw to cut the rock in half. The rarest and most valuable geodes contain amethyst crystals and black calcite.