How Geodes Form

Geodes are rocks that display a beautiful crystal structure on the inside that you only see when you break open the rock.  When attending a local rock and mineral show with my friend where we chose a rock to break open, the question was, how do geodes form?  And furthermore, what is the mineral inside?

My geode happened to have pink and grey colors matching my logo!

After a volcanic eruption, lava can sometimes cool around pockets of air forming a solid rock outside. When water carrying various minerals seep inside the rock, mineral crystals begin forming.  It can take thousands of years for the geode to form completely depending on the size of the geode.  The bigger the crystal, the longer it took to form.

Many minerals can make up a geode, but more often than not, quartz is the mineral that forms inside. Quartz can be various colors with its most well-known being amethyst. Brazil is well known to have very large amethyst and citrine geodes. One of the largest geodes is actually a cave on Lake Erie discovered in 1897. It has Celestite minerals up to 3 feet long!  Celestite isn’t traditionally used in jewelry because it is rare and fragile.

Anytime you have the chance to open up a geode, I encourage you to do so! That rock is thousands of years old, and the inside has never seen the light of day.  It is a piece of geological history.  I have mine on proud display in my studio.

I would love to help you with jewelry! Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge brings back the joy and confidence of jewelry shopping, so that you can celebrate with ease! My by-appointment approach means:

• One-on-one appointments (personal attention and no crowds!)

• Discretion and privacy (surprises remain surprises!)

• Expert help from a Graduate Gemologist with 27 years of experience (yep, that’s me!)

Learn more about me and my process: www.AngelaCisneros.com 

Book your FREE appointment with me today! www.AngelaCisneros.com/book-appointment