Hunting Geodes Near Keokuk, Iowa

A couple of weeks ago, we traveled with friends to Keokuk, Iowa to hunt for geodes. The sought-after geodes are hollow and are essentially rock cavities or vugs with internal quartz crystal formations. These can be water- or even oil-filled. It's amazing to crack open a geode and feel water that has been trapped for thousands of years. Some geodes are solid. These are called nodules and you probably want to leave those where you find them. When out collecting, you try to weigh the geodes with your hands and bring home the lightest ones. These are the most likely to be hollow and filled with quartz crystals.

As you can see by the video, we had a great time playing in the mud! Everyone came home with a car full of geodes and a geode-cracking party is in the works. We can't wait to go back this Summer!