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Geodes

Posted by Ang  
Ang
Geodes
October 24, 2005 12:21AM
I live in Muscatine, Iowa. My son wants to hunt for some Geodes. I've looked at Jacob's farm & Scheffler's, but what I'm wondering is if Geodes can be found anywhere else. (Like along the Miss. River) If we go to one of the places above, do we need to take equiment if we are just going for fun? Any info you can send me by email would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Everett
Re: Geodes
October 24, 2005 03:14PM
Hello Ang,
Please email me off board and I can give you a whole slew of locations to hunt.

Thanks
Everett
susan behling
Re: Geodes
July 07, 2006 12:50PM
Hi Everett,
I would like to hunt geodes in Eastern Iowa in about a week as I work my way out west from Michigan. Can you give me a few good sites?
Thanks!
SUsan
Re: Geodes
July 07, 2006 04:19PM
Hi Susan,

I might be wrong, but I seem to remember Everett posting recently that he was away for a few days... not sure whether he'll see your message before you go.
Unfortunately I can't help either but maybe someone else on the board can!
Good luck!

Maria
avatar Re: Geodes
July 07, 2006 04:48PM
us    
Susan, check out McRocks website field trip reports. I think you may find some inforomation on geode localities there. Good luck and have fun.
Re: Geodes
July 09, 2006 01:38PM
Does anyone know of any geodes in Pennsylvania, or SE PA region?
Julie Sisco
Re: Geodes
July 25, 2006 02:36AM
Just found this site. Susan, sounds like it is too late, but if not, email me and I will give you a location.
Re: Geodes
July 27, 2006 04:32PM
us    
For those who may be interested, Oct6-8, in Keokuk Iowa, the 2nd annual geode fest will be held. There is to be many opportunities for collecting from private property normally not open to collectors, as well as displays, mineral identification and swap tables and more. You can check with the Keokuk area tourism bureau @wwwdotkeokukiowatourismdotorg for more information.

Ang..... Keokuk geodes are found in an approximatly 35 mile radius of Keokuk Iowa in the layers of the warsaw formation. Anywhere that those mississippian aged stata are exposed can be home to the geodes. Many collecting areas are in or along local streams and rivers. I will be using a kayak for a couple of the 7 days in october when I'll be there, to allow for waterside collecting.

Bob
juli ulrich
Re: Geodes
August 13, 2006 01:43PM
I am looking for some areas to take my Family goede hunting in eastern Iowa.
Can any one assist me please...
I live in Jones county Iowa.

Thanks for the date Mr Knox on the 2nd annual geode fest.

Juli
Beverly
Re: Geodes
September 04, 2006 12:46AM
We have a six acre tract here in north alabama with geodes that scatter the ground you cannot stand in one spot without spotting a geode. We have solid masses as well as hollow ones. the colors in the inside range from orange,yellow, white and pinkish. Also within some of the geodes is carbon.
bauctrian
Geods Identification, are they geodes?
September 12, 2006 09:06PM
Hello, Im curious to know what a geode w/out any type of surrounding rock would be called?
I have several quartz geodes (non round, all sorts of shapes). There is no other rock connected to it (lattice I think thats called). When clean they are completely opaque white (un broken). Inside are small clear, white, purple and sometimes yellowish crystals, and some small amethysts. These geodes appear to have broken off a larger sheet of crystal growth about 3-10 feet under the ground...in dirt, there is no rock around. The crystal is it's own support structure and can be seen by a geometric pattern of the outside.
I cant find anything on what to offically call these things.

thanks in advance.
Joan DeVillars
Re: Geodes
February 18, 2007 11:34PM
Beverly Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We have a six acre tract here in north alabama
> with geodes that scatter the ground you cannot
> stand in one spot without spotting a geode. We
> have solid masses as well as hollow ones. the
> colors in the inside range from orange,yellow,
> white and pinkish. Also within some of the geodes
> is carbon.


Hi, Do you allow collecting on the property?
Mike the Nobody
Re: Geodes
March 01, 2007 04:27AM
Won't help you in Iowa but if you go to southern Indiana to Bean Blossom Creek and find a bridge over the creek you will find geodes in the creek. And you will find them other places too including on land. People use them as a border around their gardens and things like that. In other words, there are a lot of them. grinning smiley
Jenny
Re: Geodes
March 04, 2007 12:17AM
juli ulrich Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am looking for some areas to take my Family
> goede hunting in eastern Iowa.
> Can any one assist me please...
> I live in Jones county Iowa.
>
> Thanks for the date Mr Knox on the 2nd annual
> geode fest.
>
> Juli
Jenny
Re: Geodes
March 04, 2007 12:20AM
I am looking for some areas to take my family geode hunting near OH. Anyone have any suggestions?
Re: Geodes
March 04, 2007 01:22AM
us    
Jenny, please note that this thread was from last year and that this year will be the 3rd. annual event. I don't have the exact dates handy but it is in october and I'll post the exact dates soon. Meanwhile. if you're interested in joining a group this spring, Everett will be guiding a group as the 4th annual McRocks keokuk hunt. You can check it out at they're website @ mcrocks.com.

Bob
Re: Geodes
March 04, 2007 03:55PM
Hi, Jenny;
Would along the KY-IN border be within your travel range for geode collecting? If so, I'm available for guiding a trip. I know about 30 geode locales that are fairly easy to get to. Contact me by posting on this site's message forwarding or post your E-ml addy here.
Steve
Jenny
Re: Geodes
March 04, 2007 04:32PM
Hi, Steve
I would be interested in the sites you have for the KY-IN border. Thanks for responding. Will be waiting to hear back from you.
Re: Geodes
March 04, 2007 11:19PM
On the subject of geodes, has anyone seen or heard of a geode from Tsumeb, Namibia? On ebay (cgi.ebay.com/BLACK-DRUZY-CHALCEDONY-STALACTITE-W-PYRITE-IN-GEODE_W0QQitemZ230099568802QQihZ013QQcategoryZ3225QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item230099568802) there is one for sale. I have never seen one from there. Thanks, Al
Betty Nelson
Re: Geodes
March 07, 2007 03:52AM
Please tell me where in Alabama I can find geodes
Re: Geodes
March 07, 2007 01:19PM
Betty, Go to the top of this page and click on the "Search Pages" button, then on the "Search for Minerals in a Region". Enter "chalcedony" and "alabama" and you'll get two pages of localities - not all geodes, but it will give you plenty of material for more detailed searches. Good luck.
Barbara Kelly
Re: Geods Identification, are they geodes?
March 19, 2007 05:17PM
Is there an area in Alabama or the surrounding area that has the geodes that is open to the public?
Thank You
Barbara
ANN
Re: Geodes
April 14, 2007 01:21AM
I live in Morgan County, Al and would like to find out more about the site you are talking about. Where is it and can anyone come there and hunt geodes? Also is there a fee? Please send me more information.

Sincerely,
Ann
emidio
Re: Geodes
May 14, 2007 04:28PM
I would like to know the locations of any places to find geodes in pennsylvania and north carolina
Thanks
Re: Geodes
May 14, 2007 04:51PM
Hi, Emidio;
Simply put, except for tourist traps, there are none.
Your friend, Steve
avatar Re: Geodes
May 16, 2007 12:25AM
us    
Hey Steve,
Send me an email at jesus_everett@gotmail.com I'll be down by you thurs and friday...

KOR
Everett
Christine O.
Re: Geodes
June 03, 2007 02:53PM
I live in PA and I am interested in taking my family out to hunt for geodes. Does anyone know of any locations in Pennsylvania to hunt? Any information would greatly be appreciated. THANK YOU!!
John Cudecki
Re: Geodes
June 06, 2007 05:17PM
My family is going camping at Geode State Park in July. We would like to do some geode collecting. I have done some online research and found out Sheffler's Geode Mine is closed. Does anyone know if Jacob's is open, there is no answer at the phone 217-847-3509. Also, I'm looking for the location of Geode Glen and "Everett's Secret spot" (unless it is so secret no one will tell me?) or any other places to look. I would appreciate any help anyone can give me. Also, the guru of geodes appears to be Everett, does anyone know how to find him.

Appreciate any help that I can get, the kids are real excited to find some geodes after we had a very successful fossil hunting trip to Wyoming last year
avatar Re: Geodes
June 06, 2007 05:34PM
us    
Schefflers looks like it will reopen, but not sure of a timeframe for that.

Everett hangs out at
[www.websitetoolbox.com]
Re: Geodes
June 06, 2007 06:06PM
us    
Hi John, as far as I know Jacobs(Gary) is still operating, but maybe only seasonally open. It is in Hamilton,Ill., across the river from Keokuk,Iowa. I would highly suggest you contact the Keokuk Area Convention & Tourism Bureau in Keokuk for more "up to date" info. This is the organization that co-sponsors the annual Keokuk Geodefest in October.
It is very difficult to find collecting sites on your own as most are on private property, or require a guide and/or kayak for a lengthy trek to collect. Last year, for the week after the Geodefest, the only locations where we could find any geodes on our own, aside from Jacobs, were in the river gravels they use in landscaping.
HannahESelf
Re: Geodes
July 10, 2007 04:28PM
Beverly, I know this has already been asked, but do you allow people to collect geodes on your property? I live in Birmingham, AL. You can email me at HannahESelf@msn.com. Thanks!
Re: Geodes
July 21, 2007 08:39PM
has anyone been able to contact this beverly person in alabama ?
raykutz
Re: Geodes
July 24, 2007 12:39PM
can anyone help me find fee sites around north east mo. or keokuk area...we would like to go collecting in about 2 weeks......thank you
Re: Geodes
July 24, 2007 04:25PM
us    
Hi Ray,
The only two locations that I'm aware of are:

Dennis Stevenson Geodes
625 S. 18th St. • Hamilton, IL. • 217.847.2952 or 309.337.3089


Jacobs Geode Shop & Mine
823 East County Rd 1220 • Hamilton, IL. • 217.847.3509

They are both across the river from Keokuk, Iowa...in Hamilton Ill. You can check with the "Keokuk Area Convention & Tourism Bureau" in downtown Keokuk to see if any new locations are open.
The Stevenson site was more of a "stroll and pick-up" in the stream bed kind of location, when I was there last year. Mostly quartz and chalcedony in larger sizes were to be found. If your looking for other minerals, Jacobs provided me with examples of blue, white and golden baryte, ferroan dolomite, and sphalerite.

Have fun!

Bob
avatar Re: Geodes
July 24, 2007 09:49PM
us    
HI Gang,
Just to add to this thread, Tim Sheffler is in the middle of framing up a new shop just down the road from where the old one was but on MO highway 61. Should be open next season, I'll keep you informed!!

Jacob's is a very exciting place right now, first off the list of minerals being found there is almost as big as any location in the Keokuk area. List as follows: quartz, calcite, pyrite (acicular), baryte (blue, white per Bob,and yellow), Fe dolomite(which could be ankerite xrd testing being done!!), marcasite, kaolinite, and one geode found in my collection with gypsum var selenite. Quite possibly more to come. Gary Jacobs' is in the very top layers of the geode strata right now, if he was/were to dig down he could find some amazing stuff!! We will have to watch this place closely! I have an article for Rock and Gem 99% done except the XRD testing results. Once they are sent to me you'll see the article!!

Good times
Everett
Re: Geodes
August 02, 2007 09:24PM
for those of you wanting to know about locations in alabama for geodes , i am in the process of tracking down some areas in the state . i am a big fan of geode's and would like to collect some from my home state . bulletin 120 of the geological survey of alabama describes a location in limestone county for quartz lined geodes , but ive never tracked it down . i also have an area in st. clair county that ive been told has geodes on a friends property that i need to check out as well .
i have tried several times to get in contact with the beverly lady above who stated she has them all over her property , but she has never replied to my emails .
chris bryant
bee
Re: Geodes
August 08, 2007 03:09AM
i would very much like to hunt geods, in north ala.i want to get my grandson into rock hunting.
Re: Geodes
September 09, 2007 09:42PM
o.k. for those of you in alabama , you need to go to limestone county . in the Athens area . they are everywhere . get off the athens exit on interstate 65 and take a right at the chick-fil-a . there are cleared off areas for future construction . all over the soil and in the areas where they have bulldozed into the bed rock there are geodes and noduals by the thousands . alot of them rattle like a baby toy . fossils everywhere as well . once your eyes adjust to find what you are looking for , you will be able to pick up all you want ! we loaded our trunk with about 200 lbs. !
you can take hwy 99 out of athens , go about 18 miles to goodhope alabama and take a left on flanagan road . go about a mile to the creek bridge . this is dobbins branch creek . its also the site described in bulletin 120 of the alabama geological survey under quartz . all in the road ditches , in the creek , the dirt road to the left after bridge . everywhere there is exposed soil and rock there are geodes and noduals .
here are some pix .
this one is our trunk full of geodes and nodulas from athens area .
Attachments:
open | download - minerals 054.jpg (232 KB)
Re: Geodes
September 09, 2007 09:45PM
a geode from the dobbins branch area
Attachments:
open | download - minerals 045.jpg (293.9 KB)
Re: Geodes
September 09, 2007 09:46PM
another from dobbins branch
Attachments:
open | download - minerals 044.jpg (257.2 KB)
Re: Geodes
September 09, 2007 09:47PM
a small one from the athens area
Attachments:
open | download - minerals 055.jpg (218.2 KB)
Re: Geodes
September 09, 2007 09:48PM
athens area geodes of all shapes and sizes .
Attachments:
open | download - minerals 057.jpg (377.6 KB)
Re: Geodes
September 09, 2007 09:52PM
the shape of the geodes and noduals are lumpy and bumpy . kinda like a brain .
here is what you are looking for .
have fun alabama rockhounds and fell free to e-mail me with any qestions !
chris bryant
Attachments:
open | download - minerals 048.jpg (274.8 KB)
tim arbogast
Re: Geodes
September 23, 2007 12:46AM
hello ang. I am interested in taking my six kids down to geode hunt. Was wondering if you could give me a few places to look? thank you.
Doug Atkinson
Re: Geodes
September 28, 2007 11:00PM
My family and I live in Oxford, MS and we have 4 boys ages 5-10. They are total rockhounds and would love to hunt for some geodes. Is the location you spoke about fee based? Private property? Open to the Public? Sounds very interesting and not to far from home. Please give any additional information you can. My wife and I were looking for a good fall break outing with our children. Thanks so much-
Doug Atkinson
Re: Geodes
September 29, 2007 04:51AM
its just cleared lots for sell , no one should bother you . there is no construction yet , and the dobbins branch area is private land but we only hunted the dirt roads and road side ditches which are county land and no one will bother you .
good luck miss. rockhound !
chris bryant
Pam Alawneh
Re: Geodes
October 13, 2007 01:11AM
Hi. We live in Fort Madison, IA and my 10 year old son and my nieces are interested in finding geodes. We are new to this and would like info on tools needed, locations to find them, etc. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Pamela Alawneh
Fort Madison, IA
Tim Gilliland
Re: Geodes
October 13, 2007 03:27AM
would like to find places in central alabama to hunt for geodes with family.New to rockhounding and need all the help we can get
Donna Sparks
Re: Geodes
October 16, 2007 05:28PM
Hi,

We recently moved from Tenessee, to Iowa. My 6 year old daughter is obsessed with rocks, and is dying to find a geode of her very own. My question is....does anyone know of a place in Iowa where you are guaranteed to find a geode? Like a mining area, or something. Or if you have a good idea of places where they are plentiful, could you please let me know? Thanks!
Please e-mail me at sparks2n2@yahoo.com!

Donna
avatar Re: Geodes
October 16, 2007 07:11PM
us    
Bonnie Stamm
Re: Geodes
October 23, 2007 03:16AM
My grandsons and I are coming to Keokuk area to hunt geodes. We have been to Schefflers before the highway came and want to make it a good experience for the kids. Can you tell me any places either public or private that we may be able to go to. Thanks, bonnie
Jamie Sweat
Re: Geodes, agates, tourmaline, sapphires
October 24, 2007 04:33PM
I had a strong interest in my childhood for geology. Living in NW Illinois, there were a few spots where we could find fossils, and also found flouride, agates, etc. On one trip to Navoo (sp?), we pulled into a gravel pit area, and along the edge found a ton of geodes. This was right along the edge of the river (Mississippi if memory serves correctly).

Well, now I am in my 50's, and my interest has been rekindled. I have been looking at various sites, from Fanklin, NC (rubies/sapphires, etc) to places in Southern California (tourmaline, rubies), and places from west to south (geodes). I discovered this site by accident.

I now live in WV, the tiny eastern spike (Martinsburg). I would love to go looking for any of this items if something exists in WV, MD, SE PA, NW VA. The easiest to start with would be the geodes, but the others -- where you can buy buckets of dirt and use provides sifters, etc. -- would be fine too. But winter is coming soon, so I'd like to get some info fairly quickly while the weather is still holding up.

Thanks much for any help!

Web
angie huang
Re: Geodes
October 29, 2007 01:44AM
Hi, could you give us a few locations near Keokuk ia? We know about Jacob's but wondering if there are any other?

thanks,

angie
angie huang
Re: Geodes
October 29, 2007 01:45AM
sorry I don't know your email but my email is angie_huang@yahoo.com
Re: Geodes
November 06, 2007 05:06AM
I am also in South Eastern Pennsylvania looking for geodes. Any help would be great!
Rob
Re: Geodes
November 06, 2007 08:51AM
Robert;
Please READ the letters above & you will see the answer is already posted; look immediately after the repeat posting by Emidio. The closest is KY.
Steve
Paula McIntyre
Re: Geodes
November 15, 2007 03:36PM
I saw your information and hope you can help me find some locations too. I will be in Keokuk for a couple of days and wanted to look for geodes too. I saw soum south about Crystal Creeks, Muddy Creek and Geode Glen Park but I have having trouble finding anything out on the web about these locations or any others. Can you help me out with some directions and locations to try
thanks Paula
Eric Zierke
Re: Geodes
November 15, 2007 06:27PM
I have three daughters that have been bugging me to take them rock hounding for geodes. They got hooked on a trip out west and we have been doing a little prospecting in north central Iowa. I have two canoes and a kayak I just need someone to point me in the right direction. Any information will be greatly appreciated.
frank foster
Re: Geodes
November 18, 2007 01:25PM
The geode location at Athens Al behingd the Chicken-fil-a had been picked out. My wife and I went there yesterstay (Nov 17th) and searched the construction sites. We found maybe half a five gallon bucket. One geode we did find was wide and flat. I doubt it is hollow. I will not break it tho. My wife found plenty of crinoids and a very nice horn coral. Thanks for the info
ChristineD
Re: Geodes
November 19, 2007 11:18AM
Anyone know of places to find hollow geodes near Bloomington,Indiana? Want to take my nephew again who just loves the adventure. I checked out some road cuts around State Rd 37 that I have seen on the internet...but almost nothing there but totally solid geodes. Totally picked over. We went away disappointed. About a 4 hour drive for us to get there, so hoping for some advice that would offer better results. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Re: Geodes
November 19, 2007 05:11PM
Dear Christine;
Yes, I have a suggestion: have me guide you. I've made the offer to