How to Crack a Geode Open With and Without Tools
An un-opened geode is a wonderful thing to have, especially for kids. There is that looming thought of what the contents of the inside might look like. Then there is the ever present thought of how you are going to open up that geode. (I’m pretty sure there may even be some impatience involved somewhere in there as well.)
To crack a geode open will require blunt force with or without using tools. You can also open a geode using saws or pressure, but expect those methods to be a bit pricey. Cracking open a geode can be either a messy business or very precise depending on your method.
The best methods to crack open a geode are:
- Using blunt objects such as another rock.
- Using a light or heavy hammer.
- By using a chisel and hammer together.
- Diamond saw blades.
- Iron pipe cutter.
Lets go over in some detail these methods of cracking open a geode. It can be more important to you which method you wish to choose once you get more information.
Safety While Opening Geodes
It is important to take a few safety measures while cracking open geodes. The most important safety measure you need to take while you crack a geode open will be the use of safety glasses or goggles. You can expect that as rock breaks under force or pressure, little shards of rocks will go flying into the air and at your eyes.
The use of gloves and solid shoes will also help in keeping your hands and feet protected. It is not uncommon to smash some fingers or toes while attempting to use blunt force tools to do anything.
I can’t tell you how many times I have taken some blunt force to my fingers or toes and been grateful for wearing gloves or solid shoes. It makes all the difference in reduced pain, that’s for sure.
1. Cracking a Geode Open Without a Tool
You can crack a geode open without using a tool. This requires you to bludgeon the geode with another geode or rock. This method can often be quite messy. The geode will often crack in multiple pieces and even break the geode in ways you would not prefer.
Throwing a geode at a hard surface can crack open the geode as well. Again, this can lead to very misshapen pieces of geode and more of an undesired mess.
To crack open a geode with a rock or another geode, place the geode on a solid surface. Make sure the geode is fairly stable on the side you set it down on, so no rolling, this helps with the break.
It is desirable to contain the geode fragments from flying off into the unknown. You can surround the geode with many various things to prevent this. I like to place cloth like materials around the geode, leaving the top of the geode exposed for receiving the impact.
You can also put the geode in a sock, or under a towel, or some other fabric material, will help contain the geode pieces. This will also limit your sight in accurately hitting the geode. Additionally, the thicker the fabric material you use, the more cushion for the geode. This will make it harder to break the geode open.
2. Cracking a Geode Open With a Hammer
Cracking open a geode with a hammer is by far the most popular method. Though this method is not the cleanest method to open a geode, it certainly gets the job done. Using a heavier or lighter hammer to crack those geodes will depend on the hammer wielder.
To crack open a geode with a hammer, place the geode on a solid surface. Make sure the geode is stable as you do not want the geode to roll in any direction. Swing the hammer down on the center of the geode. This can be harder than it sounds as this type of accuracy is not always accomplished.
For less of a mess and having to search for missing pieces, use the sock or fabric material method to contain flying pieces of geode. For me I have found that a 3 pound hammer works really well while using an old shirt to surround and stabilize the geode. I prevent flying pieces from going too far and can give that geode a good tap to get it open.
3. Using Both a Chisel and Hammer to Crack a Geode
Using a hammer and a chisel to crack a geode open can add a little more precision and can be the most affordable way to crack a geode in half. This precision can lead to larger geode pieces and even more desirable half pieces of geode bearing those glittering contents.
This method of chisel and hammer will require a little more patience. You will need to stabilize your geode on a hard surface. Place the chisel on the center of the geode and come down on the chisel end with the hammer.
The focus of the force from the hammer becomes more concentrated on the tip of the chisel. This driving force will put all the pressure on a single point of the geode causing a cleaner break. I like to surround the geode with fabric material, leaving the top exposed so I can place my chisel and focus where I want my break.
Many will often do this method with some finesse for a better break. You can bang scoring lines into the geode before you break it with a heaver swing. This scoring on the outside of the geode can make the geode break along the scored line.
I want to make a special note about how hard you bring down that hammer to break open the geode. Start out with a lighter swing, if it does not break, keep swinging a bit harder each time until it breaks. Too hard of a swing right right off will increase the potential of more pieces on the break.
You want to swing down with just the right amount of force to break open that geode into two slices. If you go all in with a “Hulk Smash”, you will obliterate that geode for sure.
This method of cracking open geodes is the one I use the most. I highly suggest getting a good hammer and chisel. There is a nice hammer over at amazon that I like and it is affordable and very popular. You can check it out here – Amazon Eastwing Hammer.
Don’t forget a good chisel. I have actually had a hard time finding a great chisel I really liked (The handles always seem to come off them). There is one on Amazon that will do the trick though at an affordable price. You can look at it here – Amazon Chisel.
4. Cracking Geodes with a Diamond Saw Blade
By far one of the best ways to crack open a geode is to use a diamond saw blade. This method will create perfect cut geode halves that display well. Once a geode is cut in half it will often be polished on the cut. This adds extra eye appeal to the geode half.
If you want to crack a geode open with a diamond saw blade, expect to fork over some money. Saws are not cheap and this method of geode cracking can be a bit pricey not only in buying the saw, but you also have to purchase the diamond saw blade. Additionally, some knowledge and other safety precautions will need to be taken while using any saws.
With your diamond saw you will slowly cut open the geode down the center. Water will often be used to help with the blade cutting process as there is plenty of heat. Follow all safety and user guidelines for your saw.
This method scares me a little. I worry about nipping my fingers even though I have seen ways that can keep fingers further away from the blade. I also suggest using larger geodes for cutting on saws. This by default will put your fingers further way from the blade.
5. Iron Pipe Cutter, the Ultimate Focus of Force
Using an iron pipe cutter to crack a geode open is quite a site to see. The force that it applies to a geode is centered and more equal around the entire geode. As the force increases the geode eventually pops into two halves with a loud crack.
This particular method is not something I recommend for the average person who has a few geodes to crack open. I say this because this tool can be quite expensive. I have seen many of these tools sell for hundreds of dollars
To use a pipe cutter tool, place the geode centered within the tools chain. Get the chain secured around the center of the geode where it is now being held by the tool. Apply whatever means to tighten the chain to increase the squeeze around the geode, (some tools are different).
The geode will pop and the two halves can go flying. You may want to consider a way to prevent the geode halves from flying off such as putting some fabric material over the geode. You may even be able to slip an old sock over the geode as well.
Some Other Ways, Not Highly Suggested, to Crack Open a Geode
It is known that rocks can crack when exposed to rapid heat, then rapid cooling. I have seen a few people attempt to open a geode with hot water. Many of the times they are attempting to open created or manufactured geodes, not the real stuff you might find out in nature.
To open a geode in hot water you can boil some water on a stove with the geode in it for several minutes. You can also boil water in a microwave, in a glass, with the geode in it. I do not recommend these methods as I have witnessed little difference in the effect of opening the geode.
Perhaps if you quickly cooled the geode, you might just be able to do a small tap to open the geode. I would not guarantee a clean two halves break though. I might also think the mineral contents within could be damaged as well. Crystals could more easily break in pieces rather than stay in its matrix.
It would be much more efficient, in my thoughts, to crack open a geode with a hammer an chisel.
Cracking Geode Final Thoughts
To crack open a geode by your own means is a very fun activity. I can’t think of too many kids I have come across in my lifetime who were not excited about seeing the inside of a geode. There are a few different ways to crack open your geodes and hopefully I have given you some good ideas to do so.
I think it’s important to think about safety and a means to control those flying geode fragments. The rest after that will hopefully be a bunch of oooh’s and ahhh’s after getting those geodes open for a look.
