Cutting small geodes...different methods

I'm very new to anything to do with rocks other than finding them.

I have some nice small (walnut size) agate geodes with varying skin thicknesses...I can't get to a real saw anytime soon as our rock club's lapidary lab is moving at the moment, and besides, it seems as if a bigger saw would be too much for the some of the delicate thin-skinned pieces.

Is there any more common tool I could use, like a special hacksaw blade or dremel attachment which would be suitable for fine work cutting small, delicate quartz based geodes?

Thanks very much.

Trevor

Quartz dust is carcenogenic. When cutting one should use plenty of water to keep dust to a minimum. Water and Dremel type tools do not mix very well. ;~)

Bill G

Trevor,
Find out if anyone in your club is a faceter and has a faceters trim saw. A 4 inch blade with a thin kerf is what you need, just cut slowly. A thin 6" trim will also work. Stay away from the large slab saws.
Gary

Hi!

You could check into one of the new inexpensive tile cutters, they now make cheap plastic units with diamond blades 4" and up ... water cooling might work well.

Good Luck~!
J T

perhaps you may have seen a geode breaker at some shows, it is a long handled device with two blades that crack together with the long handled leverage you bring to bear on the geode to split them. It is much simpler and much more portable technology to deal for small geodes, than sawing, and is way way faster.

Awesome...thanks for the tips. Will let all know how it goes when I get around to it.

Cheers