I’ve never studied geology, yet I fell in love with this dull rock that had a gorgeous array of gemmy crystals. When geodes burst open, they usually elicit warm applause and gasps, and finding one in your backyard will be an exciting experience.
My curiosity about these rocks was piqued when I found an unusual rock while doing garden chores one evening. I threw it aside, but as soon as it touched the ground, it shattered, revealing a gorgeous crystal lining inside. It was a wonderful experience.
Different geodes contain different types of crystals. If you are a geode enthusiast like myself and have been wondering how to find geodes in your backyard, then this post will walk you through the process of discovering these mysterious little globes of crystal.
Contents
How to Find Geodes in your Backyard
1. Assemble the right tools
Before you go geode hunting in your backyard, you’ll need certain tools to shatter the rock, dig the dirt, open the geode, and collect the geode.
A successful hunt necessitates the use of tools.
When it comes to geode searching, the best and most crucial tools are a shovel and a pickaxe. The shovel will break up the earth, and the pickaxes will break up the rock. Get a strong, long-lasting pickaxe, and you’re ready to go hunting.
When it comes to breaking down a geode, take care not to ruin it by using a rock hammer. Remember that the rock is hollow on the inside.
Wear protective clothing; safety is the number one priority; during this exciting trip, make sure you have safety eyewear on hand because the rock splinters are no joke.
Heavy-duty gloves are also essential since they protect your hands from damage and dirt.
2. Where to start
Before you start hunting for geodes in your backyard, make sure you’re looking in the appropriate spot.
Fortunately, these rocks can be found all over the planet, but they are most likely to be discovered in deserts, limestone regions, and volcanic ash beds.
If you don’t know where to look, rockhounding can be difficult. If you live in Arizona, Nevada, or even California, like me, you may experience the thrill and mystery of geode hunting right in your backyard.
Even though geodes are widely spread throughout the United States, begin your search in your backyard at the rockiest point.
I would recommend reading rockhounding for beginners, a widely available book for a better grasp of novice rock hunters.
It provides excellent insight that will be valuable during your search, cleaning, and collection.
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3. How to identify geodes
The second crucial thing to know is what to search for because not every round, smooth, or jagged rock is a geode.
Geodes can be difficult to distinguish because they are similar to all other rocks.
Of course, some characteristics, such as a rounded or oval shape and a lumpy surface, will lead you to choose a rock as a contender.
However, remember that geodes are hollow; therefore, they are lighter than other rocks with identical properties.
However, the best way to tell if the rock you have is a geode is to crack it open and look inside. Nevertheless, a cauliflower texture and a rounded form, though not necessarily absolutely round, should be the guiding traits to get you lucky.
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4. Breaking your treasure open
This is the most exciting stage. Geodes range in size from the size of a basketball to the size of a marble, and there are several methods for securely and cleanly opening them at home.
Geodes are one-of-a-kind; once cracked open, they can contain either quartz or calcite crystals. First, put on a pair of gloves and a pair of safety glasses.
Then, wrap the geode in an old sock to keep the fragments from falling all over the place. Then lightly tap it with the rock hammer.
You can also use a flat chisel and a hammer. Place the chisel in the upper center of the rock, then tap it gently with a hammer. A cast-iron pipe snap cutter can also be used to complete the task.
All of these methods will elegantly crack your geode. Choose the method that is most appropriate for you.
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Can you find geodes in your yard?
Yes, you could get lucky because geodes are found throughout the world, although usually in deserts, volcanic beds, and limestone-rich locations.
However, geodes may be found easily in the western United States, such as Utah.
How do I know if I found a geode?
There are distinctive traits of a geode: light, egg-shaped, or round and have a rugged appearance, but the best way to tell if your rock is a geode is to crack it open.
What do geodes look like on the outside?
Geodes are usually spherical; if they are any other shape, they are not a geode. A geodes surface is bumpy or uneven.
Are geodes worth any money?
Geodes are valuable depending on how unique the mineral inside is. They can range from 4 to 500 dollars depending on the quality and the size.
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What distinguishes each geode, much like a fingerprint, is that you can’t tell what’s inside. Yes, you can try your luck in your garden for geodes; with the correct tools and expertise, you won’t miss a marble-sized geode.
Of course, if the surroundings are favorable, you will have a better chance of finding the gem.
As a result, the likelihood of unearthing a geode in your backyard may be influenced by your location; for example, if you live near a limestone-rich area, you have a strong chance of hitting the jackpot.
You can, however, go geode hunting in your yard if you don’t mind a little blood, sweat, and tears.
Nonetheless, even if you live in an inappropriate area for geodes, don’t lose hope. Take your chances now that you’ve learned how to find geodes in your backyard.
