Geode is a Greek word that means ‘earth-like’ or the shape of the earth. Often considered as treasure houses of energy, geodes appear like druzy stones. Geodes are thought to possess superior strength, connecting with the gravity, earth, and water around you.
As far as their appearance is concerned, geodes are hollow spherical masses of mineral matter. Sometimes, their dense filling makes them ‘solid.’ Such densely filled geodes are referred to as nodules.
Since the walls of geodes are strong enough to maintain the integrity of their initial shape, they can be separated from any matrix. Their outer mineral layer is more resistant to weathering than the host rock.
It is common for complete geodes to weather out of rock exposures and pile up in canyons, rock detritus, talus, etc.
Many geode localities are alluvial, especially the desert ones, meaning they haven’t been eroded by water. While it’s very common to find them in deserts, geodes are also found in different places around the globe.
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They range in length from less than 1 centimeter to several meters. They appear as ordinary rocks from the outside, but the crystals in the interiors of these rocks make them a sight to behold.
Source: Mindat.org
How Are Geodes Formed?
According to Roddy Sue Behmer, a retired earth science teacher, geodes are formed through two main processes. The first process is similar to fossilization. As water deposits minerals, they seep through the tiny cavities of porous rocks and transform into crystals as the water dries out.
The second method of geode formation is associated with limestone caves surrounded by subterranean rivers. In this process, the minerals are deposited by water directly into the cavities in the rocks.
The minerals keep on piling up from time to time until cracks are completely filled, forming a crystal lining. This is a gradual process that occurs over millions of years.
Nevertheless, there is yet another process that leads to the formation of geodes, and that is by volcanic activity. We’ll talk about this process in detail when we study geode classification by formation.
Source: Our Pastimes
Where Are Geodes Located?
Geodes are found in multiple locations across the US. Some of the states where they’re widely located are Ohio, Missouri, Utah, Iowa, Kentucky, and Indiana.
In the early twentieth century, a large geode, known as Crystal Cave, was discovered in Put-in-Bay, Ohio, which is open for tourists during the summer. Geodes are also common in other countries like Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and Namibia.
For instance, the largest geode ever found exists in Almeria, Spain. It was discovered by a team of geologists in an abandoned silver mine in the year 2000. The cave contains loads of giant gypsum crystals. The enormous geode measures 8 meters in length with a cavity of 1.8 x 1.7 meters.
To protect the cave from robberies, its entrance has been blocked by police using 5 tons of rocks. Currently, the cave isn’t open to tourists. According to modern geological models, the cave came into existence some 6 million years ago when the Mediterranean Sea evaporated, leaving thick layers of salt sediments during the Messinian salinity crisis.
Another giant geode, known as the Cave of Crystals, is present in Chihuahua, Mexico. Its main chamber houses some of the largest crystals ever discovered, representing one of the most remarkable displays of natural mineral formation in geological science.
The cave comprises of three co-joined caves, one of which is significantly larger than the others. The stacks of selenite present in the Cave of Crystals rise so high that humans appear tiny in comparison.
The crystals reach up to 12 meters in height, weighing approximately 55 tons. About 3 to 5 km under the surface lies magma, rising up from the earth’s core. The heat emitted from the magma makes it difficult for humans to stay inside the cave for more than a few minutes.
In the main chamber, temperatures up to 150°F have been recorded. To make things worse, the relative humidity in the cave is close to 100%.
Click here to check out our article about the 7 Different Types of Magma.
The total size of this geode remains unknown because it houses additional chambers that are blocked by these giant crystals.
Source: Geology Page; Beautiful World
Healing Powers of Geodes
Geodes are popularly considered as excellent healing sources in energy works owing to their extraordinary metaphysical properties. In ancient times, sealed geodes used to be auctioned and handed over to the highest bidder. It was only after the completion of the bid that it was broken to reveal the dynamic crystals in the hollow cavity.
Geodes are believed to hold qualities that heal the reproductive system in women, resolving problems associated with fertility. It is also considered beneficial for the health of the baby.
Moreover, geodes are widely thought to hold spiritual healing powers. Its hypnotizing glitter promotes deity worship and improves your 7 chakra powers. With its use, powers of clairvoyance and fortune-telling are also enhanced.
Geodes can even introduce you to angelic communication when used on a crystal altar. These stones are also used as an astral travel stone for meditation.
Emotionally, geodes are tremendous powerhouses of Chi energy. If you lose your temper easily, geodes can help you manage your temper. They can help you strengthen your decision-making skills, get rid of anxiety, and attain total relief from stress.
Source: Atperrys
Let’s take a look at the different types of geodes based on two different classifications:
- By formation
- By the crystals it contains
Classification by Formation
Volcanic Geodes
Volcanic geodes are the most widely known and sought after geodes and are formed as the outcomes of volcanic eruptions. Magma that erupts from volcanoes contains a significantly high percentage of dissolved gas with an incredible amount of weight.
As the lava rises to the surface, the gas expands in proportion to the pressure reduction, and while most of it escapes, some of it gets trapped in the lava. This leads to the creation of voids or gaps in the lava. Similar voids are also created as liquid lava flows out from partially solidified lava, producing small lava tubes.
Hydrothermal water or groundwater erodes and delivers minerals like opal, agate, quartz, and others, which accumulate in the voids of solidified basaltic lava flows. Over time, these mineral deposits in long lava tubes develop into some of the largest and longest geodes.
Many of these have the geometry of long tree branches, having a diameter of a meter and stretching several meters in length.
Many of the cathedral geodes of today are branches of lava tubes that were later packed with mineral deposits.
Sedimentary Geodes
Sedimentary geodes are normally found in dolomites, limestone and calcareous shale. In this case, voids open up as roots, shells, tree branches, and other organic material decay.
Gas fills up in these voids that are later deposited with minerals such as agate, quartz, opal or carbonate materials, paving the way for the formation of sedimentary geodes.
Learn about different types of opal in our article here.
Sedimentary geodes are typically smaller than volcanic geodes. These geodes are easily found when the host rock is weathered away. The host rock is normally formed by limestone, dolomites, basalt, and shale, which tend to weather away easily, carrying the outer layer composed of quartz, chalcedony or other geode forming minerals.
Source: Geology.com
Classification by the Crystals It Contains
Amethyst Geodes
Amethyst geodes are filled with a highly popular gemstone called amethyst. The word amethyst comes from the Greek word ‘amethystos’ which, in literal terms, means ‘not drunken.’ This is because the ancient Greeks and Romans considered the gemstone to be an antidote for drunkenness.
For this reason, goblets in ancient Roman history had amethysts embedded into them. Moreover, amethyst used to be considered as the ‘Stone of Mind,’ having the power to ease your emotions as well as calm your mind.
It was also believed to be able to enhance your mental state, providing you the will power and strength to be able to pursue your passions and dreams, at the same time restraining from undesirable habits.
Furthermore, amethyst was thought to possess properties that could impact your overall health, stabilizing your metabolism, improving the stimulation of tissue rejuvenation, boosting the production of red corpuscles in your body, strengthening the immune system and treating other disorders such as fluctuating blood sugar levels.
Sometimes, they’re discovered in the form of thousands of smaller crystals in huge and hollow geodes known as cathedral geodes. Amethyst ranges in color from a light violet pink to deep purple and may contain clouding, making each gemstone unique.
Even today, amethyst is known to enhance the powers of the crown chakra, that is, your wisdom, universality, and transcendence. Many people prefer to keep the gemstone in their study room to boost their chakra skills.
In addition, the amethyst gemstone is widely used for creating lavish jewelry and other everyday items like showpieces. They’re also sold in the form of clusters, small tumbled stones, as well as larger faceted stones.
They’re considered ideal for feng shui décor. Feng shui is a Chinese thought pertaining to the orientation, design, and arrangement of home décor items in relation to the flow of energy. This is believed to have far-reaching positive and negative effects.
Source: Gem rock
Quartz Geodes
Quartz geodes are hollow spherical rocks rich in quartz deposits. Quartz is the most abundant mineral found in the earth’s surface, as well as the most widely used natural substance. Its unique physical and chemical properties make it useful in a variety of ways.
Its luster, color, and diaphaneity make it an ideal gemstone. Not only is it hard and durable, but it is also capable of accepting a brilliant polish. Some common varieties of quartz gemstone include rose quartz, aventurine, jasper, and smoky quartz.
Jasper beads are the best example of quartz used as a gemstone. When the quartz geode appears in transparent and opaque shades, many regard it as a marker for feng shui that helps boost the flow of energy in a living place.
Quartz crystals have the ability to vibrate at precise frequencies. Hence, they are used to manufacture extremely accurate time-keeping instruments and equipment that can transfer television and radio signals with precise and stable frequencies.
These tiny instruments, known as ‘crystal oscillators’ are used to make clocks, televisions, computers, electronic meters, watches, radios, electronic games, cell phones, and GPS equipment.
Besides this, quartz’s outstanding heat resistance makes it extremely valuable for electronics. The optical-grade quartz crystals are used to make the world’s most advanced electronic devices. They are used to make windows, filters, lenses for telescopes, lasers, microscopes, electronic sensors, and other scientific equipment.
Source: Geology.com; Atperrys
Calcite Geodes
Calcite geodes contain deposits of one of the most powerful healing crystals, calcite. It is the most abundantly found mineral in Indiana. It is the major mineral found in geodes composed of the host rock limestone, which is Indiana’s state stone. Dolostone that contains 50% of the mineral dolomite, also contains calcite crystals.
Calcite crystals serve as powerful energy amplifiers for homes, raising the energy levels of your space. The crystal’s energy clearing and cleansing properties promote the flow of positive energy all over the place.
The radiation of revitalizing, calming energies from calcite crystals unlocks any blockages in energy channels. The most effective calcite crystal is the white calcite, which is the most powerful source of energy among them.
Source: Energy muse; Indiana University Bloomington
Citrine Geodes
Citrine Geodes are golden colored geodes that are radiant like the sun and are strongly associated with the spiritual aspects of our lives. They promote positive energy, replace the darkness of our lives with light, and bring happiness to our lives.
The citrine geode is also associated with solar plexus energy. This means that it enhances our self-confidence and personal power. Using this geode, we feel more alive and radiant.
It helps us to stop being shy and not worry about what others think. We experience an inner glow that makes us believe that we are happiest when trusting our inner strength.
Like some other geodes, citrine has a strong link to feng shui, the art of decorating that brings positive energy in our living spaces. To make the best of it, citrine is placed either in the southeast area of homes or the areas of wealth. It improves our lives by offering positive implications of wealth, prosperity, and abundance.
The best ways to use a citrine geode include placing it next to you during meditation. In this way, you’ll tap into the power of solar plexus. Whenever you feel down or depressed, sit next to it to absorb the positive energy.
To promote healthy digestion, place the citrine geode in your kitchen or dining room. If you exercise near the geode, you’ll feel enhanced physical energy within yourself. Similarly, you can also improve your motivation and inspiration if you place it in your workspace.
Source: Cosmic cuts
Agate Geode Eggs
Another amazing variety of geode is seen in agate eggs commonly found in Brazil. These geodes are egg-shaped and appear beautiful when seen in banded or lacy shades of agate. They comprise of a sparkling power that offers tremendous magical healing. The layers of agate and the glittering crystalline formations surrounding the centerpiece spectacle of the geode is where you’ll find its untapped visual magic.
Agate geode egg holds two forces, namely healing and truth, which combine into a powerful force, making the geodes extremely valuable additions to any collection. When seen closely, layers of agates of various colors carry small snow-flake resembling crystals.
Agate geodes have the potential to stimulate the creative thought processes more than any other type of geode. They promote truthful intentions and love, as well as crystallize concepts and ideas (examining, healing, and focusing abilities).
They cast an atmosphere of honest healing harmony in any space or person. Agate geodes can be used as a meditative focal point or just as a showpiece.
Source: Plains of stone
Closing Thoughts
Geodes are unique identity stones with hollow, sparkly cores. Geode crystals and jewelry have the potential to harmonize and sharpen your spiritual awareness. They are a tremendous source of positive energy for you and your home and can be a major positive influence in your life.
Whether you place them in the bedroom, the kitchen, the dining room, or near you while you’re exercising or eating, you’ll be able to soak in some of the healing properties that these geodes provide.
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