Geode

Geodes (derived from the Greek "γεώδης", meaning "Earth-like") are geological secondary formations within sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Geodes are hollow, vaguely spherical rocks, in which masses of mineral matter (which may include crystals) are secluded. The crystals are formed by the filling of vesicles in volcanic and sub-volcanic rocks by minerals deposited from hydrothermal fluids; or by the dissolution of syn-genetic concretions and partial filling by the same, or other, minerals precipitated from water, groundwater or hydrothermal fluids.

Geodized brachiopod fossil lined with calcite with a single crystal of sphalerite, from the Devonian of Wisconsin.
For other uses, see Geode (disambiguation).
The inside of a large geode lined by amethyst crystals

Formation

Geodes can form in any cavity, but the term is usually reserved for more or less rounded formations in igneous and sedimentary rocks. They can form in gas bubbles in igneous rocks, such as vesicles in basaltic lava; or, as in the American Midwest, in rounded cavities in sedimentary formations. After rock around the cavity hardens, dissolved silicates and/or carbonates are deposited on the inside surface. Over time, this slow feed of mineral constituents from groundwater or hydrothermal solutions allows crystals to form inside the hollow chamber. Bedrock containing geodes eventually weathers and decomposes, leaving them present at the surface if they are composed of resistant material such as quartz.[1]

When cut in half, visible bands corresponding to varied stages of precipitation may at times show patterns that reveal points of fluid entry into the cavity and/or varied colors corresponding to changes in chemistry.

Coloration
A large geode with calcite and fluorite deposits

Geode banding and coloration is the result of variable impurities. Iron oxides will impart rust hues to siliceous solutions, such as the commonly observed iron-stained quartz. Most geodes contain clear quartz crystals, while others have purple amethyst crystals. Still others can have agate, chalcedony, or jasper banding or crystals such as calcite, dolomite, celestite, etc. There is no easy way of telling what the inside of a geode holds until it is cut open or broken apart. However, geodes from a particular area are usually similar in appearance.

Geodes and geode slices are sometimes dyed with artificial colors.[2] Samples of geodes with unusual colors or highly unlikely formations have usually been synthetically altered.

Prevalence
Fluorite and calcite on quartz stalactites, in geode

Geodes are common in some formations in the United States (mainly in Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, western Illinois, Kentucky, and Utah). They also are common in Brazil, Namibia, and Mexico.[1] Geodes are also abundant in the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England, where they are known locally as "potato stones".[3]

Vugs and crystal caves

In 2000, a team of geologists discovered a cave filled with giant gypsum crystals in an abandoned silver mine near Almería, Spain. The cavity, which measured 8 by 1.8 by 1.7 metres (26.2 ft × 5.9 ft × 5.6 ft), was the largest crystal cave ever found.[4] Following its discovery, the entrance to the cave was blocked by five tons of rock, with an additional police presence to prevent looters, and is currently not accessible by tourists. According to geological models, the cave was formed during the Messianian salinity crisis 6 million years ago, when the Mediterranean sea evaporated and left thick layers of salt sediment.

The world's largest known crystal cave, or vug, is Crystal Cave, a celestine geode 35 feet (11 m) in diameter at its widest point, located near the village of Put-in-Bay, Ohio, on South Bass Island in Lake Erie.

See also

References
  1. "Geodes: The rocks with a crystal surprise inside!". geology.com. Retrieved 2017-12-30.
  2. "Geodes". geology.com.
  3. "The Quarries". Dulcote, Somerset. Retrieved 2017-12-30.
  4. Amos, Jonathan (12 June 2000). "Giant Crystal Cave Discovered". BBC. Retrieved 3 September 2011.

Further reading
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