Geodes can be discovered in the streams and meadows surrounding Athens, Alabama. Numerous geodes from this region have been collected by scores of people on rockhounding Alabama adventures. The sizes found to include a quartz geode the size of small balls or even a football.
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Where can you find geodes naturally?
Geodes are found throughout the world, but the most concentrated areas are located in the deserts. Volcanic ash beds, or regions containing limestone, are common geode locations. There are many easily accessible geode collecting sites in the western United States, including in California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada.
Can you find crystals in Alabama?
Small quartz crystals may be found in cavities in limestone in the rocks of north Alabama, and large quartz crystals have been found associated with the coarse-grained rocks known as pegmatites, found in east Alabama.
What states are geodes found?
You can find geodes in California, Indiana, Utah, Iowa, Arizona, Nevada, Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky.
How do you tell if a rock is a geode?
Tell-Tale Signs of a Geode
- Geodes are usually spherical, but they always have a bumpy surface.
- Geodes will sometimes have loose material inside, which can be heard when shaking the rock.
- Geodes are usually lighter than their size would indicate since the interior doesn’t contain any material.
Are geodes worth money?
According to Answers.com, the value of a geode “…Baseball sized geodes with non-spectacular quartz or calcite crystals can be purchased for $4-$12. Geodes with uncommon minerals that are sold on mineral auction sites range in price from $30-$500. Golf ball sized geodes, uncracked, are sold for about $2 at shows.”
Where is hematite found in Alabama?
Hematite, an oxide of iron (Fe2O3), is also known as “red iron ore” and in 1967 was designated as the State Mineral by the Alabama Legislature. Hematite was mined for many years in the Valley and Ridge area of central and northeastern Alabama.
What stones can be found in Alabama?
Among the more popular gems and collectible minerals found in Alabama are agate quartz, amethyst, andalusite, apatite, calcite, emeralds, fluorite, ilmenite, magnetite, monazite, onyx, opal, rutile, tourmaline and turquoise.
What kind of rocks can you find in Alabama?
Alabama consists of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock formations giving rise to numerous minerals and stones such as hematite, quartz, pyrite, agate, beryl, garnets, onyx, tourmaline, clay, marble, limestone, copper, galena, fossils and many more.
How do you break open a geode?
A very simple way to crack a geode is simply to place the geode inside of a sock or fabric bag to contain the soon to be broken pieces. With the geode in a bag, gently striking the geode with a rock-hammer, sledgehammer, or even a harder rock should facture the geode just enough to crack it open.
How do I know where to dig for crystals?
Areas on the planet’s surface that show clear evidence of fault lines and uplifts offer an ideal location to hunt for crystals. Check the area for ribbons of white quartz, which can also be found near known granite and gold deposits.
How do you tell if there are crystals inside a rock?
If the rock feels lighter than that surrounding rocks, it may be a geode. Geodes have a hollow space inside, which is what allows the crystals to form. You can also shake the rock next to your ear to test whether it is hollow. You may hear small pieces of rock or crystal rattling around inside if it is hollow.
Where are geodes in Athens Alabama?
Athens – Geodes With Quartz or Calcite Linings
Geodes can be discovered in the streams and meadows surrounding Athens, Alabama.
How do you open a geode without a chisel?
Instructions:
- Place the geode into the sock.
- Place the sock on a hard surface.
- Make sure you are wearing your safety glasses.
- Firmly tap the geode with the hammer until it breaks.
- Pour the broken pieces of geode from the sock and enjoy the beautiful crystals inside.
What rocks have geodes in them?
Geodes in sedimentary rocks are usually found in limestones, dolomites, and calcareous shale. In these deposits a gas-filled void can serve as the opening for geode formation. Shells, tree branches, roots and other organic materials often decay away to leave a void for the formation of mineral materials.
What is the rarest geode color?
Some people prefer using a rock saw to cut the rock in half. The rarest and most valuable geodes contain amethyst crystals and black calcite.
What is the largest geode ever found?
The Crystal Cave In Ohio
A massive, celestite crystal lined geode located near Put-in-Bay, Ohio also is said to be the largest geode ever found. It measures a staggering 30 feet (10 meters) long but was larger when it was first discovered.
How many years does it take for a geode to form?
How long does it take for a geode to form? Over thousands of years, these layers of minerals build crystals that eventually fill the cavity. How long this takes depends on the size of the geode. The largest crystals can take a million years to grow!
Where can I dig for gems in Alabama?
The best places to collect rocks in Alabama include the areas around Tuscaloosa, Ashland, Rockford, Alexander City. You can also pan for gold and gems at the Alabama Gold Camp. These locations offer a diverse array of rocks and minerals such as agate, jasper, petrified wood, quartz, and garnet.
Are diamonds found in Alabama?
Other Gems
“Rocks & Minerals” lists hematite, marcasite, quartz, olivine, tourmaline, fluorite, agate, jasper, garnet, topaz, malachite, turquoise, diamond, zircon and spinel as gems found in Alabama.
Is granite found in Alabama?
The igneous rocks represent the oldest rocks in Alabama, dating back to the Precambrian. These volcanic rocks are found mainly in the Piedmont Upland located on the east-central side of Alabama. Among the igneous rocks found in this state, we must mention granite, pegmatite, or diorite.
