What is the main difference between a geode and a thunder egg?

Thunder eggs, which are technically known as lithophysae are typically found with solid or near-solid cores of chalcedony or agate, whereas geodes are relatively hollow inside with thinner layers of quartz crystals.

How do you tell if a rock is a thunder egg?

Though thundereggs appear lke rocks, they can be easily identified by the abnormally round and bumpy brown-gray surface. Usually, thundereggs lie relatively close to the Earth's surface, embedded in the clay of the tuff, where they were formed.

What is in a thunder egg?

Thunder eggs are spherical objects which form in some types of silica-rich volcanic rocks (e.g. rhyolites). As the volcanic lava cooled, trapped steam and other gases formed an expanding bubble.

How can you tell the difference between geodes?

Where are thundereggs found?

Thundereggs can be found in localized areas across the world where optimal conditions exist. Some of the best known thunderegg spots in the world are located in Germany and in Oregon. The thunderegg is even the state rock of Oregon!

What is the difference between a Geode and a Thunder Egg?

What is the difference between a thunder egg and agate?

Thunder eggs are red, light-pink, pinkish-red, reddish-brown, and brown from the outside because of the color of rhyolites. Thunder eggs are not perfectly round from inside. Chalcedony or agate can form star-like figures. Geodes are hollow inside.

Are geodes and thundereggs the same?

Thunder eggs, which are technically known as lithophysae are typically found with solid or near-solid cores of chalcedony or agate, whereas geodes are relatively hollow inside with thinner layers of quartz crystals.

How are thundereggs created?

Formation. Thundereggs are found in flows of rhyolite lava. They form in the lava from the action of water percolating through the porous rock carrying silica in solution. The deposits lined and filled the cavity, first with a darker matrix material, then an inner core of agate or chalcedony.

What are geodes worth?

Geodes are highly valued for their content and appearance. The most valuable geodes are those that contain perfectly formed flawless crystals of amethyst, celestine, calcite, or other rare minerals. Geodes are worth from $2-5 for common specimens and up to several thousand for exceptional several meters.

Why are thundereggs called thundereggs?

According to legend, thundereggs were named by the Native Americans of central Oregon, who are said to have believed that these strange, agate-filled stones were thrown by fighting "thunder spirits" who dwelt on Mount Jefferson and Mount Hood (two of several snow-capped peaks high in the Cascade Range).

What is a solid geode called?

Dianne Dotson. Geodes and nodules may look like they're simple rocks at first glance. But cutting them open reveals interesting insides. Geodes are hollow within, while nodules are solid.

What are geodes made of?

The crystals are of quartz, less often of calcite or dolomite, and sometimes of aragonite, ankerite, hematite, magnetite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite. Most often the metal sulfides are innermost, and a layer of calcite is next to the outer chalcedonic layer; a second layer of chalcedony sometimes is present.

How do you polish thundereggs?

For thundereggs, I recommend using cerium oxide. It's a great polish for agate, jasper, and other hard cryptocrystalline materials. What is this? For hand polishing, get your rag or chamois a bit wet, poke it in the powdered cerium oxide, and get to work on the surface.

What's the difference between geode and agate?

What is this? In a lot of ways, agates have inclusions, while geodes are inclusions in the host rock. It's an important distinction to make. But the biggest difference is the fact that geodes are a specific form of mineral, while agates are a specific type of mineral.

What are thunder eggs used for?

Thunder Egg is used in the spool of the Sewing Machine to create a Shirt.

How big can thunder eggs get?

Thundereggs are agate-filled nodules found in various parts of the Western United States. They range in size from 1/4 inch to as large as 5 feet in diameter. Generally, they are about the size of oranges.

Why are geodes round?

A geode is formed as a hollow bubble inside burning hot lava. These bubbles can occur within the lava as travels across tree roots or animal burrows, creating the approximately spherical shape of the geode.

How do you identify a geode crystal?

Test whether the rock has a hollow interior.

If the rock feels lighter than that surrounding rocks, it may be a geode. Geodes have a hollow space inside, which is what allows the crystals to form. You can also shake the rock next to your ear to test whether it is hollow.

What is the rarest geode color?

The rarest and most valuable geodes contain amethyst crystals and black calcite.

Where are the 2 largest geodes in the world?

There are two candidates that are claimed to hold the title of the world's largest geode. The Pulpi Geode in Spain and Ohio's Crystal Cave. There are also some other noteworthy amethyst geodes which have been discovered in Uruguay.

What are some fun facts about geodes?

Are all geodes 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.

Can geodes be man made?

Fake geodes can be identified based on how they were manufactured. Synthetic versions lack flaws that are found in natural geodes, while composites and imitations often have evidence of bubbling, cracking, splotchy paint, artificial color, and leftover glue.