Un-Opened (Whole) Small Break Your Own Geodes

This page was created with the intention of giving an outlet to the educational system (teachers, schools, etc.) and Scout groups to buy geodes to break in their classroom or event during lessons dealing with geology, geodes, or related subject matters, but anyone of course is welcome to order from this page. We sell both Keokuk and Mexican "coconut" and "trancas" geodes in the smaller break your own size - to help you decide, we have listed advantages and disadvantages of each type in their respective section below and also included sample pictures of typical interiors encountered in both types of break-your-own geodes.

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Mexican "Trancas" Geodes: These geodes come from Chihuahua, Mexico. These geodes are best known for their interesting quartz growths and their frequently fluorescent bright green colors under shortwave ultraviolet (UV) light. These geodes do NOT contain the striking blue, black, or amethyst colors like their nearby "coconut" geode relatives, but instead have a clear or slightly white quartz lining, and some also contain calcite crystals. A varying percentage of these geodes also have secondary quartz "spirals" or "worms" in them as well. (Sample photos can be seen here (opens a new window)- included are four typical interiors encountered with these geodes). Larger Trancas geodes are available here.

These geodes are sold in three different sizes, and are guaranteed at least 90% hollow by volume (9 out of every 10 geodes will have a decent-sized, open crystal lined cavity on the inside).

Trancas Geode Advantages compared to Keokuk & Coconut Geodes	Trancas Geode Disadvantages compared to Keokuk & Coconut Geodes
*Less expensive Mexican geode option. Some contain interesting quartz growths and many are fluorescent bright green under shortwave* UV light. On average are easier to break than the coconut geodes, but not necessarily easier than the Keokuk* geodes.	Do NOT contain the colors like the coconut geodes and are rather limited on secondary minerals* compared to the Keokuk geodes. Are more expensive than the Keokuk geodes. Some geodes contain a "wormy" or non-crystalline quartz lining (not quite as appealing but more often than not contain a crystal lining).

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Mexican "Coconut" Geodes: These geodes come from the Mesteno Ranch, Chihuahua, Mexico. These geodes are well-known for their colorful interiors. These geodes will contain linings of either a clear, smoky, blue, or amethyst quartz, and many will also contain calcite or goethite sprays as secondary inclusions. (Sample photos can be seen here (opens a new window) - the small ones have the same interiors as the larger ones).

These geodes are sold in two different sizes, and are guaranteed at least 90% hollow by volume (9 out of every 10 geodes will have a decent-sized, open crystal lined cavity on the inside). If you want larger coconut geodes, please see: Whole Coconut Geodes Between 2 and 6 Inches in Diameter!

Coconut Geode Advantages compared to Keokuk & Trancas Geodes	Coconut Geode Disadvantages compared to Keokuk & Trancas Geodes
*Colorful interiors common (smoky, blue, grey drusy quartz most common, shell frequently contains banded agate, 5% contain amethyst linings). Many have secondary calcites and goethite blades (in our experience* about 1/2 have either calcite or goethite). These geodes HAVE colorful interiors. There are other geodes from Mexico* that do NOT have colorful interiors, such as the Trancas geodes also offered on this page, so make sure that you know what you are buying. We guarantee HOLLOW and COLOR!	More expensive. Geode shells are a little thicker, thus can be more difficult to open. Shipping weight is a little more than the Keokuk and Trancas geodes for larger* quantity orders (those not being sent in flat-rate boxes) due to an average slightly thicker skin.

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Answer: Yes! We will place a "geode opening instruction sheet" in the box with your order and receipt. You may also visit: http://www.geodegallery.com/breakinggeodes.html for similar instructions.

2) Why are the Keokuk geodes so much less expensive than the Mexican coconut and Trancas geodes?

Answer: There are several answers to this. Of most importance is the fact that the Mexican coconut geodes contain colors on the inside (smoky, grey, blue, or even amethyst) while the Keokuk geodes are basically found only as clear or a light smoky quartz. Most people desire colors and thus the price on these is higher because their value is higher. Secondary reasons include we dig the Keokuk geodes ourselves while the Mexican geodes have to be shipped to us from Mexico and we have to pay more for the Mexican geodes in the first place. We provide both types so those who want color can buy the ones with color, and those who like the clear ones can buy the clear ones. Schools and other organizations have different budgets as well, so both options (at varying prices) are available depending on the school's budget.

3) I am a teacher, scout organizer, or event planner and wish to purchase geodes that are all about the same size for my students or group members. Is this possible, and can I use a purchase order form to order?

Answer: Yes and Yes! We have been selling these geodes long enough to know that the majority of the buyers are teachers, scout leaders, and event planners and want to have each child break and/or have their own geode. We try our best to send geodes that are as uniform in size as possible to avoid conflicts among "competitively-driven" children! We do accept purchase orders - you can either enter your purchase order number in the secure Shopping Cart when you Check Out, or send/fax the purchase order to us. We will call to verify all online submitted Purchase Orders. Send your purchase order to: The Geode Gallery, 1131 80th Street, Roseville, IL 61473 or FAX the purchase order to (309) 734-2683. We will need a signed hard copy of the purchase order either faxed or mailed to us before we ship your order out.

Illinois schools/organizations only: Purchase orders from a school or tax-exempt organization is required in order to buy geodes tax-exempt. All other states are already tax-exempt since the geodes are being shipped to you outside of the state of Illinois. If you are a tax exempt organization, we will need your tax exempt number to place on file. We will be implementing a feature in the online secure shopping cart shortly that will exempt the Illinois tax charge for eligible orders.

4) How many geodes can I order, how do you ship and how long will it take for me to receive the geodes?

Answer: You can order any quantity you want if the geode type and size is available - just enter the number you would like in the "Quantity" box above. As a guide, the Mexican "coconut" geodes are $3.25 (2 inch), $2.50 (1.75 inch), $1.75 (1.50 inch), and $1.40 (1.25 inch) each; the Keokuk geodes 50 cents ($0.50) for the 1.5 inch diameter geodes and $1.00 each for the 2 inch diameter geodes; and the Trancas geodes are $1.25 (1.50 inch), $1.75 (1.75 inch), and $2.25 (2 inch).

Generally all geodes are shipped USPS Priority mail (using their flat-rate boxes that allows us to ship whatever will safely fit in the boxes for the same price regardless of weight/destination), or for larger quantities Federal Express Ground.

Delivery time: All orders are shipped within 1-2 business days of receipt of the paid order or purchase order, unless we are away at a show. If we are away at a show, the order will be shipped the day after we return. For more on shipping options and choosing the correct Shipping option for your order, please see The Geode Gallery Shipping Help Page.

a) Credit Card, Check or Money Order, or Paypal: Add the desired quantity to your secure Shopping Cart by filling in the appropriate number in the "Enter Quantity" box for the size(s) you wish above and follow the step-by-step instructions when Checking Out. Please make sure to pay attention to the important shipping notices for each geode and choose the desired or appropriate shipping method from the list of available Shipping methods. If you are paying with a check or money order, you will be able to print out an order form along with our mailing address to send to us with your full payment once completing the Check Out procedure.

b) Purchase Order: If you are a school or other educational institution and wish to submit an order by Purchase Order, please see Question 3 above.

Didn't answer your question or still have a question? Please call (309) 335-6740, E-mail, or see the Ordering Information page.

6) How much is shipping for larger quantities, and do you offer a large Quantity discount?

Answer: The secure Shopping Cart will calculate an estimate of shipping for your order. For more details on shipping options, please see The Geode Gallery Shipping Help Page. The cost provided may be adjusted slightly up or down once packed as the weight will vary but the shopping cart estimation will be very close to the actual cost if you are not using the Priority Mail flat rate box option.

Regarding Quantity Discounts - due to supply and demand (currently low supply and the demand exceeds what we can mine ourselves (Keokuks) or buy from the mines in Mexico), we cannot offer large quantity discounts at this time regardless of the quantity ordered.

7) First Part: The Trancas and Coconut geodes look the same from the outside in the pictures. How do I know that you will not shipping me Trancas geodes when I placed an order for Coconut geodes? Second Part: If I order a quantity of both Trancas and Coconut Geodes, how will I know the difference?

Answer: Part 1: The Trancas and coconut geodes are mined from different locations, and are identified and shipped separately to us when we order. Upon close inspection, you can tell the difference between the two in most cases (the Trancas geodes sometimes have a slightly pink or orange color to their skins and have a different texture) even though the pictures are pretty close. Part 2: We will put the geodes in separate bags when we pack, and put a paper label in each bag or write on the packing telling you what kind of geode is in that particular bag. Upon opening, however, you will know if you have a coconut or Trancas geode - there is a difference.

8) How are you able to determine that the geodes are hollow when they are so small?

Answer: EXPERIENCE! We are specialized in geodes and have been for over a decade. Over the years, we have handled literally several tons of all three types of these geodes and you really develop a "knack" for determining the hollows from the solids. Handling so many geodes allows us to really sort the various types of geodes very well with a high degree of accuracy and we can compare volume to weight as well since we know what a given size of geode should weigh when hollow. Every geode we sell, however, is hand-lifted to determine its hollowness several times (both when dug or received, sorted, and then again when packed). We are human, so we occasionally make mistakes (hence 90% guarantee, not 100%), but we would encourage you to order from someone who specializes in geodes so you know what you are going to find once opened (at least in a general sense) and won't be disappointed when you receive your order. For customer comments, please see below.

Didn't answer your question? Send us an e-mail or call us at (309) 335-6740 anytime between 9AM and 9PM Central Time.

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Below is a sample of actual feedback received from customers who ordered geodes from this page in the past.

-(Mexican coconut geodes) "I've referred a lot of teachers from schools to your website and their feedback to me has been very positive with the orders they have placed with you. You have the fairest prices and best quality that I have been able to find." (Connecticut)

- (Keokuk geodes) "I ordered a set of geodes to use in a fourth grade science class. The geodes were cheap enough that I could order enough for two classes of students. The kids loved it! They had a blast breaking the geodes in class, gained a better understanding of how minerals grow in specifically shaped crystals, and were thrilled to be able to take their sparkling treasures home. Each of the geodes had crystals. Most were clear quartz, but some had yellow, red, and white crystals as well. Thanks for the great product! I can't wait to teach this lesson again!" (Virginia)

- (Keokuk geodes) "Thank you so much for making education supplies so available and affordable for us teachers. Its great to see that you support education of geodes and geology." (California)

- (Mexican coconut geodes) "Hi, I would just like to thank you for the prompt delivery of my geode which I am very pleased with, I was very excited when opening it as to what I was going to find and I must say I was not disappointed, it is beautiful." (United Kingdom)

- (Keokuk geodes) "Thank you, This is our first order with your organization and your response time and attention to detail is quite impressive." (Connecticut)

- (Mexican coconut geodes) "Thank you!!! for providing the geodes. I have gotten several orders from you, and I intend to keep shopping with you...You provide a great service to people that want to understand rocks and minerals by making them available to people like me and teachers/students. Thank you and I appreciate your great service!" (Florida)

- (Mexican coconut geodes) "Thank you for your quick service! I am sure my son is going to have fun with the geodes and they will help to continue his interest in geology." (Kentucky)

- (Mexican coconut geodes) "I ordered from you because you described each geode type so thoroughly and you offered the Mexican coconut geodes in smaller sizes. My son will love these! (Pennsylvania)