What Are Geodes? 

Have ever been to a rock shop or maybe a nature and science museum  and noticed those mostly hollow rocks with crystals in them? Maybe you've even bought one the break open yourself? Those are Geodes!

All geodes are rocks lined with crystals or other minerals. The name geode is derived from the Greek word "γεώδης", which means “earth-like”. or possibly from the Latin name, geōdēs, which is a precious stone

Traditionally, geodes are roughly round and usually hollow. The hollow interior makes these perfect for geode ring boxes like the one pictured. These geode ring boxes are perfect keepsakes for the day of proposal or even a wedding.

Geology - The Science of Geodes and How It’s Made

While geodes can form in any cavity, the term is typically used to refer to rounded formations that are found in both igneous and sedimentary rocks. Geodes can form within gas bubbles in igneous rocks, or in rounded cavities found in sedimentary formations, which is more common in the U.S. 

Once the stone around the cavity hardens, dissolved carbonates and/or silicates are deposited inside. Over time, this slow addition of mineral constituents from groundwater or hydrothermal solutions allows crystals to form inside the hollow chamber. It can take hundreds of millions of years for the space inside the outer hardened shell. A geode that is not hollow, but filled with crystals is called a nodule. 

The coloring of a geode, beyond teh most common white/clear, is the result of impurities that have intruded into the silica that will ultimately become the crystals. These impurities then result in coloring of the geode such as amethyst, agate, chalcedony, jasper, calcite, dolomite, celestite, etc. 

Geography - Where do Geodes Come From? 

In your quest to grow your own geode collection, here are some well-known places you can visit to examine the fine rock specimens our planet has to offer. 

In the US: 

Geodes can be found in Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Utah. In fact, geodes are actually Iowa’s state rock. 

Brazil:

Many of the of geodes you see in rock shops and museums are most often from Morocco, Mexico or Brazil. At Roccia Roba, we like to use the Brazillian geodes as they have very intricate and beautiful crystal formations. Of course, we then specifically select specimens that are more likely to be hollow which makes them perfect for geode ring boxes and other decor items. 

Metaphysical - The Spiritual and Physical Implications of Geodes

Disclaimer: Crystals can complement other therapies and support overall well-being. However, crystals should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. The information contained herein is metaphysical in nature and does not claim to heal or cure and should not be considered as a substitute for conventional medicine.  

Please note, the following is not intended to provide any specific health or well-being advice and is intended as a guide only. For medical advice please consult a licensed health care professional. 

It is believed that larger geodes can help create a chi flow in areas of your home. Many people also see the geode as a feminine property due to the cavity which could represent the womb. 

Geodes can also help communicate with divine beings and assist in creating better moods, balances, and energies that can help with meditation, stress, and decision-making. Their multiple uses come from the fact that crystal formations vary, and each crystal varies in minerals held. 

Across the board, they have many health benefits and promote well-being.

How We Use Geodes in Our Home and Office Décor

One of our first items we started offering at Roccia Roba is our geode ring boxes. We prefer geodes from Brazil, and these days we work directly with someone in Brazil, and she handpicks geodes that will work well for our geode boxes. We then carefully match a delicate hinge to each geode, prep the rock, and use various adhesives to attach the hinge to the geode. We offer a variety of boxes at a wide range of prices, we have been excited to receive so many messages about our boxes being a part of someone’s proposal or wedding day! We thank you all for the love and support and genuinely adore being a part of something so special to you!

From time to time, we'll also use geodes in other home and office decor items, like air plant holders, business card holders, decorative butterflies and just lately, we've been featuring geodes in a new product category we very excited to be bringing to market - Butterfly Jars!