geodes
Hollow crystalline stones
Geodes are hollow rocks lined with crystals on the inside.
From the outside they appear ordinary—rounded, rough, unremarkable.
Split open, they reveal cavities encrusted with quartz, amethyst, or other mineral formations.
The contrast between dull exterior and glittering interior makes them popular with collectors and a staple of gift shops: We cracked open geodes at the rock shop.
Creation or arrangement
- crystallographyStudy of atomic lattices
- mineralogyScience of inorganic solids
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
- volcanicOf fiery mountain origin
basalt · limestone · silica · calcite · chalcedony · cavity · nodule · precipitation
Break to reveal contents
- revealMake something visible
- hiddenKept out of sight
- interiorInside area or region
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
treasure · mystery · unveiling · transformation · secrets · concealed · anticipation · sparkle
Representative items for examination
- crystalsSolids with ordered structure
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- gemstonesPolished ornamental minerals
- agateBanded semiprecious stone
amethyst · quartz · citrine · lapidary · rockhounding · polishing · cutting · display
Purple semiprecious quartz
- quartzCrystalline silicon dioxide
- agateBanded semiprecious stone
- citrineYellow-orange quartz gem
- celestiteStrontium sulfate mineral
calcite · thunder eggs · Brazilian · Moroccan · Mexican · cathedral · purple · smoky
Shelf supports for volumes
- slicesThin cut portions
- halvesEqual portions of whole
- displayPresentation for viewing
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
dyed · home decor · centerpiece · ornamental · purple · blue · natural · stunning
formation
Creation or arrangement
- crystallographyStudy of atomic lattices
- mineralogyScience of inorganic solids
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
volcanic · basalt · limestone · silica · calcite · chalcedony · cavity · nodule · precipitation · groundwater
crack open
Break to reveal contents
surprise · treasure · mystery · unveiling · transformation · secrets · concealed · anticipation · sparkle · cavity
specimens
Representative items for examination
- crystalsSolids with ordered structure
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- gemstonesPolished ornamental minerals
agate · amethyst · quartz · citrine · lapidary · rockhounding · polishing · cutting · display · cabinets
amethyst
Purple semiprecious quartz
celestite · calcite · thunder eggs · Brazilian · Moroccan · Mexican · cathedral · purple · smoky · clear
bookends
Shelf supports for volumes
polished · dyed · home decor · centerpiece · ornamental · purple · blue · natural · stunning · interior design
- mineralsquartz, marble, granite, limestone, sandstone
- quartz sourcesveins
- natural history museumfossils, dinosaurs, specimens, taxidermy, gemstones
- natural beautyrock formations, ice crystals, snowflakes, sand dunes, spiderwebs
- natural decorpinecones, driftwood, seashells, branches, twigs
- natural treasuresgold, diamonds, pearls, gemstones, emeralds
geodesconcretions
Compact masses formed by accumulation
solid rock · nodules · granite · basalt
- geodesic domeTriangular-lattice spherical structure