Geodes: Mother Earth’s Mysterious Sparkling Rocks

Thanks to Pinterest and some truly beautiful Instagram accounts, you’ve probably seen geodes popping up a lot lately. From the outside they look like any other regular rock, but on the inside they are truly stunning crystal formations.

But what are these beautiful sparkling rocks? How are they created? And what can we use them for?

What is a geode?

A geode is a rock which is a spherical shape, with a hollow cavity on the inside. That inner space is lined with crystals - most often of the quartz variety. These rocks are formed in a variety of ways, depending on what sort they are.

If the rock is of a volcanic variety, it’s likely the geode started as a bubble caused by the hot gas expelled by a volcano or volcanic environment. The gas bubbles expand inside the hard shell of the rock and can’t escape. Over thousands of years, these once-were bubbles crystalise, forming the crystals that we know and love. Volcanic geodes are some of the most highly sought after, and the biggest.

Geodes can also be found in sedimentary rock formations, such as limestone, dolomites and calcareous shale. Unlike the hot gas that creates the cavity for a geode in a volcanic rock, when it comes to sedimentary rock these holes are usually caused by mud deposits and tree or plant roots. Water containing minerals makes its way through these holes, eventually creating crystals. These crystals may be amethyst, quartz, opal or colourful agate, and they’re usually smaller than their volcanic cousins.

Although some people get lucky and find geodes while they are out and about, hiking or exploring, they’re usually not found randomly at all. They’re usually found in large numbers in specific environments - as we’ve mentioned, volcanic or large areas of sedimentary rock. Once the rock is broken into, beautiful sparkling crystals are exposed.

Ahhh. We heart science.

What are geodes used for?

Well, if Pinterest is anything to go by, geodes have a number of uses from being beautiful bookends to household ornaments to raw-cut sparkling engagement rings.

But, geodes are also very helpful healers and hold special energy. Their purpose is more to remind a person of a feeling, rather than just healing it. Like any other crystal, it’s important to find a geode that you connect with; one that you feel really holds an energy that you connect with and can work with.

Geodes are often thought to have feminine energies, as the inside of the cavity is seen to represent the womb. They may assist with meditation, stressful situations and decision-making, and the larger forms of geodes can also help create a chi flow throughout your home. Their varied uses are put down to the fact that their many crystals are varied in shape and form, and within each crystal, a variety of minerals are held.

Geodes: the decision-making crystals

Decision making is something we all need help with, at certain times in our life. A geode may help you see the whole picture and assist you in coming to a decision before you get carried away…. Sounds good to us! Amethyst geodes, in particular, are soothing, de-stressing and a great tool for meditation.

Using geodes for cleansing other crystals 

Geodes can also be used to cleanse other crystals. In fact, smaller crystals or jewellery containing crystals, particularly amethyst or quartz, can be placed on the geode whenever you're not using or wearing them. Every now and then you'll also need to cleanse the geode too, so use another cleansing technique such as smudging or a full moon cleansing ritual, instead.