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Rocks and Minerals
How to Crack Open a Geode Download Article Co-authored by Sam Lagor, MSc
Last Updated: March 29, 2025 Approved
Download Article
Sledgehammer Method
|
Chisel Method
|
Striking Method
|
Cast Iron Pipe Snap Cutter
|
Diamond-Blade Saw Method
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Sam Lagor, MSc. Sam Lagor is a Geologist with over eight years of experience. He specializes in engineering geology (dams, bridges, and tunnels) and mineral exploration (gold, lead/zinc, andindustrial minerals). Sam holds a BS in Geology from St. Lawrence University and an MS in Geology from The University of Vermont. He is also a member of the Geological Society of America and the American Institute of Professional Geologists. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 90% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 560,818 times.
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]XResearch source Fortunately, there's more than one way to crack open a geode...
Steps
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1 Put on safety glasses before attempting to open a geode.[2]XResearch source [3]X Expert Source Sam Lagor, MScGeologistExpert Interview
It may help to wear a pair of gloves, too.[4]X Expert Source Sam Lagor, MScGeologistExpert Interview
Advertisement Method 1 Method 1 of 5:
Sledgehammer Method
Download Article
1 Put the geode in a sock and set on the ground.
2 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.[5]X Expert Source Sam Lagor, MScGeologistExpert Interview
Rock hammers are made with reinforced steel, making them stronger than your typical carpenter hammer.[6]X Expert Source Sam Lagor, MScGeologistExpert Interview
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 5:
Chisel Method
Download Article
1 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.[7]XResearch source
2 Rotate rock a bit, then strike again to create a line around the circumference of the stone.
3 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.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 5:
Striking Method
Download Article
1 Strike geode with another larger geode. This only really works if you control the striking rock in the palm of your hand. Only use this method on small, golf-ball-sized geodes.
Method 4 Method 4 of 5:
Cast Iron Pipe Snap Cutter
Download Article
1 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.[8]XResearch source
2 Feed the chain into the tool securely around geode.
3 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.)
Advertisement Method 5 Method 5 of 5:
Diamond-Blade Saw Method
Download Article
1 Use a lapidary diamond-blade cutting saw to slice the geode open, or into halves. (Note that oil can damage the interior of some geodes.)
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question Why should I use a sledgehammer? Community Answer It is not recommended to use a sledgehammer as it will smash the geode into many pieces and can destroy the crystals/formations inside. Hammer and chisel is a much better method. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 26 Helpful 109
Question How are geodes made? Community Answer Over many years, mineral water seeps into the rock. As the water makes its way through the rock, the minerals get sifted out, and are left behind in the rock in a crystalline formation according to the type of minerals in the water. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 94
Question Do I have to put it in a sock when breaking it open? Community Answer No, but the method provides a good measure of safety by preventing the pieces from flying all over the place. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 60
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Geodes that rattle when shaken may be hollow and contain free floating fully-terminated crystals, such as quartz. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
Place geode on a larger rock at ground-level, or upon sand (never wood, like a picnic table or deck floor) to promote the best results of your tool striking your geode safely and cleanly. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
Sometimes smaller geodes may be solid inside, yet still attractive. Even filled geodes can be chock-full of beautifully banded agates. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Always be careful and follow general safety procedures for rockhounding and tool use. Be mindful of any folks (or animals) observing you cracking open your geode, as rock shards you create may fly towards the onlookers, and injure them. With safety in mind, please enjoy your geodes. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2
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Co-authored by: Sam Lagor, MSc Geologist This article was co-authored by Sam Lagor, MSc. Sam Lagor is a Geologist with over eight years of experience. He specializes in engineering geology (dams, bridges, and tunnels) and mineral exploration (gold, lead/zinc, andindustrial minerals). Sam holds a BS in Geology from St. Lawrence University and an MS in Geology from The University of Vermont. He is also a member of the Geological Society of America and the American Institute of Professional Geologists. This article has been viewed 560,818 times. 12 votes - 90% Co-authors: 37Updated: March 29, 2025 Views: 560,818 Categories: Featured Articles | Rocks and Minerals In other languages Russian Italian German French Dutch Indonesian Japanese
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Reader Success Stories
Grace Hodge
Apr 9, 2016
"I'm glad I had enough to play with. I did chisel some but I couldn't stand it! I had to break out the big sledge hammer. What exciting fun! You've just got to do it."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Sam Lagor, MSc Geologist Co-authors: 37Updated: March 29, 2025 Views: 560,81890% of readers found this article helpful. 12 votes - 90% Click a star to add your vote
Grace Hodge
Apr 9, 2016
"I'm glad I had enough to play with. I did chisel some but I couldn't stand it! I had to break out the big sledge hammer. What exciting fun! You've just got to do it."..." more
Thomas Walters
Apr 5, 2016
"All five ways were very helpful! I have never opened a geode so this was all very helpful!"
P. J. Lemley
Aug 29, 2016
"The step-by-step process for each way of completing your task at hand helped." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Co-authored by Sam Lagor, MSc 
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Co-authored by: Sam Lagor, MSc Geologist This article was co-authored by Sam Lagor, MSc. Sam Lagor is a Geologist with over eight years of experience. He specializes in engineering geology (dams, bridges, and tunnels) and mineral exploration (gold, lead/zinc, andindustrial minerals). Sam holds a BS in Geology from St. Lawrence University and an MS in Geology from The University of Vermont. He is also a member of the Geological Society of America and the American Institute of Professional Geologists. This article has been viewed 560,818 times. 12 votes - 90% Co-authors: 37 Updated: March 29, 2025 Views: 560,818 Categories: Featured Articles | Rocks and Minerals In other languages Russian Italian German French Dutch Indonesian Japanese 
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490 
1 Put on safety glasses before attempting to open a geode.[2] [3] 
1 Put the geode in a sock and set on the ground. 
2 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.[5] 
1 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.[7] 
2 Rotate rock a bit, then strike again to create a line around the circumference of the stone. 
3 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. Advertisement 
1 Strike geode with another larger geode. This only really works if you control the striking rock in the palm of your hand. Only use this method on small, golf-ball-sized geodes. 
1 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.[8] 
2 Feed the chain into the tool securely around geode. 
3 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.) Advertisement 
1 Use a lapidary diamond-blade cutting saw to slice the geode open, or into halves. (Note that oil can damage the interior of some geodes.) 
Community Answer It is not recommended to use a sledgehammer as it will smash the geode into many pieces and can destroy the crystals/formations inside. Hammer and chisel is a much better method. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 26 Helpful 109 
Community Answer Over many years, mineral water seeps into the rock. As the water makes its way through the rock, the minerals get sifted out, and are left behind in the rock in a crystalline formation according to the type of minerals in the water. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 94 
Community Answer No, but the method provides a good measure of safety by preventing the pieces from flying all over the place. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 60 
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