How to Crack Open a Geode

Metrac

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posted on 16 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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If you've discovered a geode (a rounded rock formation with crystals or banding inside), you'll want to crack it open as safely and neatly as possible. Every geode is unique, and could hold anything from clear, pure quartz crystals to rich purple amethyst crystals, or perhaps agate, chalcedony, or minerals like dolomite.[1]
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Fortunately, there's more than one way to crack open a geode...

Steps

Sledgehammer Method

Put the geode in a sock and set on the ground.

Take a small Sledgehammer or a rock hammer (preferably not a construction hammer, such as a claw hammer) and strike the top center of the geode. A couple of strikes might be required to fully crack open this rock. This is likely to result in the geode fragmenting into more than two pieces, but it is the most suitable method for kids, though not recommended for particularly valuable/rare geodes. Rock hammers are made with reinforced steel, making them stronger than your typical carpenter hammer.

Chisel Method

Take a rock or masonry flat chisel, hold at top center of rock, then strike with a hand-held sledge hammer. Tap lightly, as to score the rock only.

Rotate rock a bit, then strike again to create a line around the circumference of the stone.

Repeat, as necessary, until the rock splits open. Patience is key; if the geode is hollow, it will probably take a few minutes of gentle scoring to open it, but if the geode is solid, it'll take longer.

Cast Iron Pipe Snap Cutter

Use a cast iron pipe snap cutter. This common plumber's tool can aid you in splitting a geode symmetrically, that is, into two equal halves. Wrap the tool's bicycle-type chain around your geode.

Feed the chain into the tool securely around geode.

Pull down the handle to apply equal tension around the geode. It should crack smoothly all around. (This is the least destructive method that displays a geode in a natural form.)