Hand Cracking a Huge Geode with common tools

This is an educational video for those who want to see the process of opening a large geode by hand. This video is long and you won't see the opening until the end so if you are not interested in the process you will want to fast forward. It is an amazing smoky quartz geode with huge calcite and pyrite inclusions.
Please notice when we started cracking the geode there was already a distinct fault line that we were able to follow. We are not suggesting or guaranteeing that opening ANY large geode will be this easy, we are simply showing the process we use when we start with a nice natural fault line.
Thank you for watching and please subscribe to get notifications when we upload new material. Feel free to drop any comments or questions in the comment area below. Rock on!

[@catholiccrusader5328]

Woodie your show brought back long dead memories of my rock hound days when I was a child. I'm 76 now but those old memories brought tears to my old eyes; thanks. I'm a new subscriber.

[@WoodiesRockShop]

We are so glad you enjoyed the video and hope those old memories bring smiles also! 😊 Thank you for subscribing!

[@TuckerPiper]

Most people would just say “it’s just a rock” but you oden them up like a real man

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Well thanks! Thank you for watching!

[@jannettaktibbs7268]

Just gorgeous. I love how gentle you were with this one, keeping it in 2 pieces instead of just smashing the heck out of it and making it shatter into many pieces. Your videos bring me such joy. Thank you for that. Rock on!! J in Oregon

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks so much! We do our best to open the geodes carefully so they display as well as possible.

[@juraicgamer4408]

@@WoodiesRockShop. I’ve seen people who have no clue what they’re doing and they take a geode and smash it into 1500 pieces.

[@WoodiesRockShop]

@@juraicgamer4408 we have seen that also. Our intention is to make the most beautiful display pieces that we can. Thanks for watching!

[@monstersofthemidway7125]

Back in 1973, my high school shop teacher told everyone in his class that he better not see anyone using a screwdriver as a chisel. He went on to say, if he caught anyone doing this he would give them an "F" for their class grade. That left a lasting impression on me. Seeing you do that, YIKES!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

We typically use a masonry chisel, but have been known to grab a screwdriver in a pinch. I do understand how high school teachers can leave a lasting impression on us though! Thanks for watching!

[@michaelvandyke]

Some of my screwdrivers retire for just this purpose, instead of being throw away...

[@lastname2110]

Like how you didn't smash it into multiple pieces and where gentle with the rock.

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks but we aren't on Flixzone 🤷‍♀️

[@sharonservidio8044]

WOW!! Thanks for taking your time with this bad boy!! Appreciate the video and learned everything I need to know to get cracking with the 3 boxes of geodes that await me. Such a Beautiful specimen!! Thanks again for sharing!!😊

[@user-qy9ik7hx9t]

Wow, I have a smaller one my son brought back from Indiana. Now I'm going to try this. I had no idea what to do. TY

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Your welcome

[@michaelvandyke]

Awesome concept and well noted for my future geodes I get... Thank you buddy for sharing the video.. What a drop-dead beautiful geode!

[@aqua1082]

Wow! Amazing! That's so awesome. Looks like our Minnesota ice balls 😆

[@ivendagsv]

bro that was entertaining and super helpful. loved the vid and keep it up.

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank ya. Glade you liked it

[@chadjohnson7118]

That's SO COOL You're taking the time to do this with your Wife & Kid(s)!!! And then You go & find that AWESOME Geode!!!!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you! We have maintained a small family run operation and we are extremely grateful for that.

[@chadjohnson7118]

@@WoodiesRockShop That's what it's ALL About😊 GOD BLESS The USA!!!

[@tashacherry1480]

I love that he sent her to get the tools, wired for her before opening it, and had her help. I think men who do things with thier little girls no different than they would if they had sons end up raising some of the futures strongest women. I was daddy's little girl up until the day he passed away and we did everything together. Hunting, fishing, fixing everything and anything together. Damn I miss him but the countless memories I'll cherish forever.

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Sorry to hear about your Dad! His Dad passed away too so he understands the impact a Dad can make and that the time to do so is sometimes short. So great that you have the memories to cherish! ❤ We hope to leave that legacy with our daughter someday also. Thank you so much for watching and for sharing!

[@aheckers]

Really can't say enough unto the respectful handling of these. I wish for you and those who learn, in your good company all the best

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words!

[@lauricalder3786]

WOW! Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing!!!! STUNNING!!!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks so much for watching and the kind words!

[@divineexistencebycloe2306]

That is a gorgeous piece 😍

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you!

[@cellogirl11rw55]

Such exquisite beauty. Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@sammyl.h.p1010]

Great video. You know your stuff! Much respect!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you!

[@cathypatman1224]

This was An Awesome viewing experience! It is Beautiful! I'm saving your video for my own Tries! Thank You for a great video!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks so much! Good luck on your own geode cracking ventures! :-) it can be addictive

[@LaneyandherGermanShepherds]

Thank you so much❤

[@EloquentThinker]

Wow! It’s so beautiful , the anticipation for the crystal’s reveal was well worth it 😊

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you so much!

[@Helloitskovo]

Beautiful sir, nice one!

[@Rockstar4life52]

Great job cracking that egg a++

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks!

[@Queen-Of-Hearts144]

Wowww, beautiful!👏

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you!

[@sherirex7177]

That's a beauty!!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@kimquinn-arcand7127]

Beautiful

[@WoodiesRockShop]

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

[@user-mp4pp3gz3b]

Wow nice 👍

[@AlohaGamester]

Nice find well done!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks so much, and thanks for watching!

[@brijesh6270]

anyone else got recommended after a year

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks for looking! Maybe we will upload something new this weekend.

[@mjade1673]

👏That is wayyyyy better than machined!! Idk why anybody machine cuts. ✌

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you! It takes more time, but has beautiful results!

[@maskanfarzad8674]

very beautiful 👍👍👍👏👏👏🤩

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you!

[@paullanier8280]

Geezum !! Lotsa pearls in that oyster !!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks! We think it's a beauty!

[@hellofromUSA062]

Beautiful!!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you!!

[@hellofromUSA062]

You are welcome. I found a bunch in Woodbury Tn when they put thru a new highway they burst through several geode pockets and I was very lucky. I love them all!!!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

That's awesome! They are all so different inside :-)

[@hellofromUSA062]

@@WoodiesRockShop i love the anticiparion of wondering whats in there..hidden in the dark...then....crack...the hidden beauty comes to light. Nothing like it!!!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

We do too! Never gets old!

[@mohamedaarjoune7983]

Jolie géode et bon travail

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you!

[@chandlerborremans2415]

The big boy geode

[@WoodiesRockShop]

This is a big one!

[@manishagoswami6306]

Wow

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks for watching!

[@chalcedonyclapper1216]

Beautiful geode. Wish I could find them In my state

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you!

[@RandomPerson-ek7qh]

What your state?

[@WoodiesRockShop]

We are in Missouri

[@Mex-ge9kj]

@@WoodiesRockShop Is it mis-erable?

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Nope, we love it!

[@ravindrareddykatamreddy4601]

👌sir

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank ya

[@MrMooCow199]

Have you tried hammering long nails in a ring, to get the geode to cleave along a specific line? Kind of how people split giant boulders with stone cutting nails.

[@WoodiesRockShop]

No, we haven't tried that. The pipe cutter that we use works in a similar manner by applying an even pressure around the geode. On a geode like this one where the natural fault line is already cracked we don't typically use the pipe cutter because it could break the geode into multiple pieces. Thanks for watching!

[@jessie.jay03]

how did you know it was a geode prior to opening it, just the weight being less than it should have for it's size?

[@WoodiesRockShop]

We own the property with the geodes so we know what could be inside.

[@daniellerostaing1467]

you need help cracking that geode? i live on the 5th. floor- we can just drop it! lmao! dam, those pyrite inclusions are beautiful!

[@shawnh8498]

While I fully appreciate your professionalism and control of not being like others tossing the geode into bucket or just wailing on them I'd like to offer a thought. While watching you do things the good way to preserve crystal I though maybe you might want to look into wooden wedges like quarries use, you drive them in dried wood and then wet them down and while you adding wedges your one already added will have already expanded the crack and you add more and the shell gets pushed no massive vibrations and preserving the insides the best you can. Also using a masons saw gently, just rent for a day and put cuts along faults for wedges almost no excessive vibration this way and it gives you hammer arm a break done this way. You also if it cuts fast enough increase your output a lot while decreasing repetitious hammering also. All pluses I'd thought I'd mention at a low cost for more profit and higher quality results as in unbroken by hammering crystals.

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks so much for watching and for the idea! We have several saws, but we don't typically use them because we risk cutting through a large calcite formation. We also don't personally care for the look of geodes that have been "scored" with a saw leaving it with a half-cut, half-cracked look. The wedges are an idea we hadn't heard before, but I'm not sure if they would be thin enough to fit in the tiny fracture lines. We typically use cast iron pipe cutters and make the job pretty quick with minimal damage, but when there is already a really good fault line this is the best way we have found to achieve the desired results with minimal damage. Thanks again! Have a great day!

[@barbwood8932]

You mentioned Diamond Dew drop?? I have a rock with two perfect dew drops opposite each other? They are dark red? Id show a pic but I dont know how to attch it?

[@WoodiesRockShop]

That sounds neat! If you would like to send us a photo you can send it to our email [e-mail]. The diamond dew drop is a formation within the Keokuk Geodes

[@jaredkoch9576]

So i LOVE this geode you found, i sadly though cannot purchase that incredibly expensive smokey quartz geode. But is there any chance you can tell us where you specifically dig? Like is it on your property or out on the mountains? Or is it a mine and you pay to dig yourself? But nonetheless is it possible you could disclose good specific spots!!!! Pleaseeeeeeee i need one for myself!!!!!!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

We get our geodes from our private property. There are many places in the area where you can pay to dig Keokuk geodes. We don't really suggest one property over another. It just depends on what you are looking for. You can call Hamilton, IL city hall 2178472936 and get a list from them or check out the Keokuk, IA tourism bureau website for a list of names and numbers. When you call each place it is a good idea to ask them how hard it is to dig and what type of geodes (size/color) are typically found there.

[@jaredkoch9576]

@@WoodiesRockShop Thanks so much your awesome!!!

[@artscrafts4685]

I think I see rough sandpaper on your surface and I assume that gives the rock grip, to make it not move too much (roll) when you hit it. It’s very good idea ✌🏻

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks for watching! I don't know that we have used sandpaper, but the metal table we are using is covered in rock dust. We might have to try it!! Using a sturdy table is definitely helpful! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@artscrafts4685]

Woodies Rock Shop ah I see, I guess it just gave that illusion 😁 but yes very sturdy table

[@WoodiesRockShop]

@@artscrafts4685 hey, it's not a bad idea! 🙂

[@sweetvonbettie1]

Where can i go to get myself a big geo like this..i want to crack one open..

[@WoodiesRockShop]

We get ours in Missouri

[@paulwood4056]

@@WoodiesRockShop Can you give a website? Cost range?

[@WoodiesRockShop]

@@paulwood4056 we have a website but there arent many items on it. We dont have many unopen geodes available right now. The price ranges from $20-$500 unopen. The open geodes range from under $10 to several thousand.

[@okcoolArrow-zu1qg]

Dang wish I was in Missouri for like a day to get some geodes and crack them open I live in texas and there’s geodes here but I’m moving and where I’m moving I haven’t found a single geode cuz it’s like in a neighborhood

[@WoodiesRockShop]

I'm sure there are some cool rocks where you are moving. Just have to get outside the neighborhood :-) thanks for watching!

[@okcoolArrow-zu1qg]

@@WoodiesRockShop thanks

[@paulwood4056]

Very cool! Nice job guys! So... how much would it cost a guy to buy one of those geodes? Can you tell me?

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks for watching! Prices range from $5-$5000 depending on what you are looking for. On your other comment I forgot to say that you can contact us via email [e-mail] or on Facebook @fabulouskeokukgeodes

[@paulwood4056]

@@WoodiesRockShop thanks for the chowhound info! Ok, so how much for one that is like the one in this video?

[@WoodiesRockShop]

@@paulwood4056 we sold this one for approximately $500 I believe.

[@matze3596]

U selling Rocks?

[@lisastewart-hartsock661]

I’d like to buy a five carat stone from that geode to make a wedding ring. How much?? Like a small smoky quartz

[@WoodiesRockShop]

I'm sorry, we don't cut stones out of our geodes. We sometimes sell small pieces for wire wrapping, but we do not cut gemstones.

[@KittyLovesGlover]

iw wish there were a place where i live in Maine to get geodes. my kids and i would be occupied for hours on end....or even in NH

[@WoodiesRockShop]

I'm sorry, I don't know where geodes are found in that area. We used to attend a rock show in Maine, but it has been cancelled due to COVID. Thank you for watching our videos and I hope you can find some other cool rocks with the kids!

[@hannahcook4298]

I just found one today I live in bangor..think it's just a matter of luck lol. Watching different techniques to crack this baby open!

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Awesome! Hope it's Beautiful inside!

[@lowlightpiano7110]

Repent and put your trust in Jesus. We're all sinners and deserve Hell, but Christ died on the Cross for our sins. He didn't stay dead. He rose on the third day! If you repent and put your trust in Jesus, you will be saved! Romans 3:23 John 3:16

[@stefankika8594]

Does it worth anything?

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Yes

[@user-oo2ic9ve7s]

🤔👍👍👍👍👍

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks!

[@rodwhite9737]

That's a cool geode. The camera picked up yellows and reds when you turned it a bit. That's the right way to crack one open, isn't it? Instead of going at it gung ho. Nice find.

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks for watching! If you watch most of our other videos we typically use a cast iron pipe cutter for a nice clean break. Because this geode had a nice fracture line we wanted to show how easily a geode can be opened without special (and expensive) tools if you can find a natural fracture line.

[@rodwhite9737]

@@WoodiesRockShop Good stuff! I will be watching more.

[@rodwhite9737]

@@WoodiesRockShop Have you watched any of The northern Mudlarkers videos? You should! They are new to KZbin And are widely trending. You should subscribe too. They are very nice ladies.

[@WoodiesRockShop]

@@rodwhite9737 no we have not. Thanks for suggesting it. Will check it out!

[@rodwhite9737]

@@WoodiesRockShop The cast pipe cutter has a chain, doesn't it?

[@SgtStarSlayer]

ever heard of a diamond saw blade with water, the cut would be so much cleaner? Of course if that is the look you are going for then never mind.

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Yep! We have 3 diamond saws. Thanks for watching!

[@darylangeles5848]

Sir i like your vidoe so much but did you know the geods rock✌

[@darylangeles5848]

How did you know the geods rocks

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Yes

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Weight

[@truvonne]

Nice. every time I find a geode it cracks open with a burst

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks for watching!

[@AggroSamurai]

Something about it not being sawn and having clean edges that make it more natural and beautiful

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you! We have many customers who prefer the natural look!

[@asianxhispanic]

Imagine dropping that on your toe when cracking it open

[@WoodiesRockShop]

We've dropped a few on our feet. Trust me, it hurts!

[@timbertumbler3805]

So Jealous ! There is nothing like that here in my country, lots of snow white stones though if you like them?

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Some people like the snow white ones. We prefer a little color and depth. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder for sure though! Thanks for watching!

[@Bponyi]

Are you guys open for pay to dig site ?

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Not at this time, sorry.

[@Bponyi]

@@WoodiesRockShop it's all good,. My friends and I are always looking out for the next adventure. Thanks for the quick reply

[@WoodiesRockShop]

@@Bponyi you're welcome! We may offer digs again next summer.

[@Bponyi]

@@WoodiesRockShop sweet, I will be watching for that event.

[@Loveleann]

Omg how much is this I have a little geode someone else tried to open lol can you give me advice it’s blue marbly

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Sounds like a Mexican geode. We typicaly use cast iron pipe cutters to get geodes open that don't have a nice fault line. This geode has sold.

[@SanjanaRanasingha]

I wanna go back to 2019 August 🙂🙃

[@WoodiesRockShop]

2020 would be much easier to navigate knowing what I know now!

[@SanjanaRanasingha]

@@WoodiesRockShop 😔 that was the year before my tragic bike crash which just destroyed my whole life to a point with no reverse.. only if I could go back to 2019, I'd give anything just to have my life back

[@WoodiesRockShop]

I'm sorry to hear that! I can't imagine how you feel having to completely rearrange your life. When hard things come I try to be thankful for what I still have, although that's not always easy, especially on the hard days. I'm glad you still have another day; and I hope that you are able to rebuild to an even better life with what is remaining.

[@SanjanaRanasingha]

@@WoodiesRockShop thank you very much for your kind hearted words! Touched me from a different perspective! Thank you! You are a nice man. Always loved your uploads

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thanks for watching! Many blessings to you!

[@doristapley2225]

How do you know it’s a geode rock.

[@WoodiesRockShop]

The best way to know you are finding geodes is to look where geodes are known to be found. Then find out what the outside looks like in the area you are hunting. The outside of the geodes looks different in different locations.

[@playingwithmilly7730]

I feel sad that my dad doesn't understand my love for rocks... I found lots of rare pretty rocks and showed them to my dad and he just shook his head. I plan to break them open but not sure if I can I am just like 12 :/

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Sorry to hear that. Some people don't understand the beauty that others see in rocks. So glad to hear you're taking an interest in rockhounding!

[@richardtaihitu6157]

Ribet amet

[@afraniomineiro8709]

Valor? Dolares??? 👍

[@WoodiesRockShop]

We sold it in separate pieces for approximately $900 total.

[@rytvdinners5064]

It's a rock....wtf.?

[@WoodiesRockShop]

It is a rock, a geode from the Fabulous Keokuk Geode Site to be exact. Thanks for watching! We have a lot of other cool "rock" videos too!

[@discocreeeps3998]

My family found a geode more than twice that size, and had to bring it from a little island in a lake to land on a canoe, not bragging, just letting out my anger because they REFUSE TO GET IT OPENED

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Show them this video. Maybe they will change their mind.

[@elizabethwatson71]

I’m betting you wouldn’t have to work so hard if you had a surface that did not flex and bounce around.

[@WoodiesRockShop]

That surface is actually pretty sturdy. Extending the natural fault line around this size of a geode just takes a little time. Thanks for watching!

[@j.l.emerson592]

No arguments with your tools, the simpler the better. However... don't you think you should at least wear a cheap pair of safety glasses or goggles? A tiny stray chip hitting you in the eye can blind that eye permanently. Not a good example for any kid type viewers... Just sayin'...

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you for watching! If you watch at the beginning the video I do have safety glasses on. Safety first! Rock on!

[@sherryconner7833]

Beautiful

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank you for watching!

[@soledadfajardo344]

Beautiful

[@WoodiesRockShop]

Thank ya