How To Break Open A GeodeHow To Break Open A Geode

© 2008© 2008The Geode GalleryThe Geode GalleryRoseville, IllinoisRoseville, Illinois

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Geode Gallery.Geode Gallery.

Tools RequiredTools Required

A hammer, flat edged chisel (or large screwdriver), safety goggles, and a base (such as a piece of wood) are needed to open a geode.

Step 1: Begin Scoring The GeodeStep 1: Begin Scoring The Geode

To protect against flying pieces, we recommend you wear safety goggles. Place the flat edge of the chisel on the middle of the geode. It is best toscore the geode in the middle so it opens into two equally sized halves. Tap the top of the chisel LIGHTLY with the hammer, anywhere between 6-10 taps at first is recommended.

Middle of the geode

Step 2: Continue Scoring the Geode’s CircumferenceStep 2: Continue Scoring the Geode’s Circumference

After tapping the chisel 6-10 times in one spot, rotate the geode a quarterof a turn and place the chisel at a new spot but still in the middle of thegeode. Tap again at this location 6-10 times and repeat. Once you havedone this 4-5 times, you will have produced a “score line” around thecircumference of the geode (likely where the geode will open).

““Score Line”Score Line”

The “Score Line” is indicated by the white areas on the middle of the geode (arrows point to this line). Note the location of the “score line” in the middle of the geode.

Step 3: Continue Tapping on the “Score Line”Step 3: Continue Tapping on the “Score Line”

Until a crack starts to develop, continue to tap the geode on the score line,occasionally rotating the geode around so all of the pressure is not focusedin one location. Eventually, you will see a crack develop on the score line.

A Crack Develops!A Crack Develops!

Success! In time, a crack will develop hopefully right on the “score line” (note thin, dark line indicated by the arrows).

Step 4: Follow the CrackStep 4: Follow the Crack

Once a crack develops, continue to tap the geode at locations on the “scoreline” where the crack has not yet started. DO NOT hit the geode hardduring this stage – let the crack work its way around the geode.

The Crack is Complete!The Crack is Complete!

Once a crack is developed around the entire geode’s circumference, thegeode should be ready to open.

Step 5: Open The Geode!Step 5: Open The Geode!

Place a hand on each side of the geode and open it. If you see a crack all the way around the geode but it does not want to open, place the chisel carefully in the crack, and attempt to pry the geode apart.

Step 6: Marvel at the Beauty!Step 6: Marvel at the Beauty!

Once opened, you are the first person to see the interior that is millionsof years old! This particular geode is a Keokuk geode containinga quartz lining with orange iron coloring in the left half. Note that the geode is in two nearly equal halves, maximizing display.

Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions How long does it take to open a geode using a hammer and How long does it take to open a geode using a hammer and

a chisel?a chisel?• The answer depends on how hollow the geode is. The more The answer depends on how hollow the geode is. The more

hollow the geode, the quicker it will open. For example, the hollow the geode, the quicker it will open. For example, the geode in this presentation took approximately 3 minutes to geode in this presentation took approximately 3 minutes to open from start to finish.open from start to finish.

Will the geode always open on the “score line”? Will the geode always open on the “score line”? • The majority of the time, the answer is yes. However, if the The majority of the time, the answer is yes. However, if the

chisel is struck too hard and/or there is a crack in the geode chisel is struck too hard and/or there is a crack in the geode that was not visible before you started, it may not always that was not visible before you started, it may not always follow the “score line”. The key is to have patience if geode follow the “score line”. The key is to have patience if geode opening is a new experience for you.opening is a new experience for you.

I have followed the “score line” around the geode and it will I have followed the “score line” around the geode and it will still not open. Why not? still not open. Why not? • The geode is most likely solid or nearly solid (filled in entirely The geode is most likely solid or nearly solid (filled in entirely

with quartz, calcite, or another mineral). If the geode feels with quartz, calcite, or another mineral). If the geode feels heavy, this is another indicator of a solid geode. If you still heavy, this is another indicator of a solid geode. If you still want to see the interior, hit the chisel harder until the geode want to see the interior, hit the chisel harder until the geode opens.opens.