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Techniques for Collectorsnot HOW but WHERE to cut a geode

25th Nov 2010 00:59 UTCnic perrotta

I'v found plenty of results on WHAT TO USE to cut geodes for the best results but I'm loooking for info on WHERE to cut a geode for best possible rslts.

My 1st thought was to cut them in the garage but the sunlight is really the best place to cut em.

BADA-BING!

I Killl me!

Seriously though I saw an article that suggested cutting across the flow lines but that was all the info offered & I haven't a clue as to what a flow line is.

Mine are a couple/three inches in diameter and 3 or 4 of the 6 or 7 pieces are kinda shaped like an 8 but closer to an 8 where the smaller sphere (or top part of the 8) is pushed further into the bigger part if that makes any sense,

I imagine cutting them in a manner that results in 2 pieces that are the same size & mirrors of each other might be best but this is a wild guess based on zero knowledge of lapidary methods.

Thanks & make it a great day, Dom

27th Nov 2010 00:37 UTCGary Weinstein

Nic,

I usually cut them along the largest face to give the best open view if they can be clamped that way. Hope this helps.

Gary

10th Dec 2010 04:15 UTCJamey Swisher

I just go for cutting in half, if a T-egg or solid geode(actually be a nodule technically) I will cut off center so I can get more slabs out of the one side, because I would typically be cabbing the material.

Slab or trim saws work perfect. But many do not have those. Another thing that works super great are those chain pipe cutters with the carbide cutting wheels on them. They work amazing with a little elbow grease!

Remember though, always wear eye protection, and face and hand protection if you can.

12th Dec 2010 20:02 UTCTim Jokela Jr

Are these standard plain-Jane geodes, with uniform drusy quartz interiors, or can you expect something else, like a nice big calcite crystal?

If the latter roll 'em around a few times on the floor, and note which side is up and which is down, presumably any decent crystal will skew the balance a bit.

Then cut them in half parallel to the floor.

With average geodes, hardly matters where you cut, just try to split them evenly in half for a nice looking pair.

T

4th Jan 2011 18:49 UTCnic perrotta

Gary Jamey & Tim:

Thanks guys!

I really appreciate your input.

I learned valuable information from all 3 of you kind souls.

Gary. The largest face makes perfect sense to me & I was leaning that way.

Jamey. The multiple slab tip is great to know & the chain pipe idea is gold for a guy with no cutting gear but a grinder & cheapo masonry blade. Although I did pickup a 7" wet tile saw this weekend for other things but maybe i can utilize it for certain rocks.

Tim. I don't know what to expect from any geode due to my lack of knowledge but the rolling tip is brilliant. I realize it won't work fopr all shapes but for the ones it does, it's almost as good as an x-ray. Now there's an idea. Too bad I don't have an x-ray machine lying around.

May the coming year be better than the last. (could it be worse?)

Rock on boys!

Dominic

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