Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: Cracking Geodes ( Answered 5 out of 5 stars,   2 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Cracking Geodes
Category: Science > Earth Sciences
Asked by: laundrygal-ga
List Price: $7.50
Posted: 09 Dec 2005 07:06 PST
Expires: 08 Jan 2006 07:06 PST
Question ID: 603627
I am trying to find some information on how to safely crack geodes
open while still maintaining the aesthetic qualities of the two halves
(ie, don't smash into millions of pieces :) ). I got my father some
uncracked geodes for Christmas and would like to enclose information
on how to crack them with the present and/or any special tool(s) that
might be needed.

Request for Question Clarification by denco-ga on 09 Dec 2005 10:47 PST
Howdy laundrygal-ga,

Would the following answer your question?  Thanks!

"How To Break Open A Geode!"
http://www.geodegallery.com/breakinggeodes.html

"Opening Geodes"
http://alicatsrocks.com/

"CRACKING GEODES OPEN (Without destroying them!)"
http://www.greatsouth.net/CRACKINGGEODES.html

"Opening and cleaning geodes"
http://www.mineralgallery.co.za/novnewsletter2001.htm

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

Clarification of Question by laundrygal-ga on 09 Dec 2005 11:28 PST
Those are super helpful, thank you! Plenty of options and we will be
able to figure out how to get it open. :)
Answer  
Subject: Re: Cracking Geodes
Answered By: denco-ga on 09 Dec 2005 12:19 PST
Rated:5 out of 5 stars
 
Appreciate you accepting this as the answer, laundrygal-ga,

Here are several references which have several methods, ranging from using
a hammer and a sock, all the way to using a diamond saw, in order to open
up those unopened geodes you bouaght for your father.

By the way, great gift to buy for him!  Until he opens them, he will have
no idea of what is inside, which can provide a wide range of results.

"How To Break Open A Geode!" from the Geode Gallery website.
http://www.geodegallery.com/breakinggeodes.html

"Place the geode in a sock and hit very lightly with a hammer."

"Opening Geodes" on the AlicatsRocks website.
http://alicatsrocks.com/

"Check your geode for any hairline cracks. If you find one, take a flat
tipped screwdriver or a small chisel (depending on the size of the geode)
and carefully insert it into the crack."

"CRACKING GEODES OPEN (Without destroying them!)" from the Great South Gems
and Minerals, Inc. website.
http://www.greatsouth.net/CRACKINGGEODES.html

"Another method of opening geodes that works well, (The method I use most
often.) is to crack the geode open with an old fashioned cast iron plumbing
pipe cutter."

"Opening and cleaning geodes" from within the KMF Rocks Newsletter.
http://www.mineralgallery.co.za/novnewsletter2001.htm

"The third and most used method is to lay the geode in a soft (earth)
depression. Look the geode over for any cracks or weak spots. These should be
found and force applied there. When you have decided where you will apply
pressure, use a medium weight hammer and center punch. (Never use steel
chisel). Put the punch in a spot most likely to keep if from sliding off, and
hit it several times; easy at first, then harder. If three or four blows do
not open the geode, repeat in other spots until a crack does appear. Then use
a screwdriver to pry apart."

If you need any clarification, please feel free to ask.


Search strategy:

Google search on: opening geodes
://www.google.com/search?q=opening+geodes

Also, I have had some experience with opening geodes.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher
laundrygal-ga rated this answer:5 out of 5 stars and gave an additional tip of: $2.00
Helpful answer that provided me with a few variations to get them open!

Comments  
Subject: Re: Cracking Geodes
From: redhoss-ga on 09 Dec 2005 07:28 PST
 
I know that you can saw them in half.
Subject: Re: Cracking Geodes
From: denco-ga on 09 Dec 2005 14:23 PST
 
My pleasure and much thanks for kind comment, 5 star rating and nice
tip, laundrygal-ga.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy