FYI:A Lapidary geode is a solid or semi solid geode full or partially full of minerals. Lapidary definition:a cutter, polisher, or engraver of precious stones other than diamonds using specialized equipment.

Thanks for visiting our Rock Shop If you are new to Ky geodes the information provided is to help you with your purchase, feel free to ask questions or message me to let me know how I can improve your experience or better serve your needs :) follow me and browse through our eBay store for Display Stands, Crystal Cluster Specimens, Unopened Geodes, Agates, and Fossils, all from Kentucky and all self-collected. New items from our collection added daily.

We are passionate about geology and have an undeniably strong connection with nature and these wondrous crystal rocks. These grand geodes have endured the test of time through the most cataclysmic events in their lifetime and have metamorphosized into what we call a geode. They have been waiting to find a home with you! Have fun and enjoy natures beauty.

       To help expand the geographic diversity of your collection, we offer geodes, agates, fossils, and mineral specimens that we have self-collected from the State of Kentucky.  Our geodes are natural unaltered formations that have come from various locations in Kentucky.  Each location offers a unique particularity. All of the geodes that we sell have gone through a detailed cleaning process by myself.  Instructions on cleaning the inside of geodes are provided in every package that contains a whole geode. Some whole geodes may still require additional cleaning once opened.  Opened geodes or collected opened geodes have been cleaned and are ready for display.

Geodes from the Lida Asteria Collection are from the Knobs region of Kentucky.  They have been collected from rivers, streams, road cuts, quarries, fields and hillsides.  Unfortunately we cannot guarantee the minerals or the quality of minerals found in the unopened geodes.  We do our best to pick whole geodes that have "potential".  Some are completely full of quartz, some have microcrystalline quartz chalcedony agate and some have hollow cavities or a combination of them all. No one knows what is inside a whole geode or its formations until it is opened :)

These Geodes were made by nature and each one has its own uniqueness and was formed just as they were meant to. 

 We enjoy looking at them through a jewelers loupe to see all the hidden treasures and encourage you to do the same.  We have 30X 60X LED-magnifying loupes available in our eBay store.

Q&A  Frequently ask questions.

What is a geode and what to expect from a Kentucky Geode?

Kentucky Geodes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors dependent on the circumstances when the geode was formed. KY Geodes are from sedimentary rock; these geodes were formed when groundwater deposits minerals within cavities in the host rock. When a geode is broken, the minerals inside are revealed. They can be filled or partially filled with minerals. Most geodes are completely filled with minerals; most often quartz, some call them nodules. The quartz can be massive, crystalline, or layered, which is a variety called agate.   Most often, geodes found in Kentucky are lined with quartz crystals. Less common minerals are calcite or dolomite crystals can be found on the inside, either alone or associated with bitumen, barite, baryte, kaolinite, millerite, smithsonite, galena, fluorite, quartz, limonite, sphalerite, pyrite, selenite, or celestite, etc.  Several cryptocrystalline (microscopic crystals) varieties of quartz occur in Kentucky. They can be recognized on the basis of their fibrous texture and granularity. The fibrous varieties include chalcedony, agate, onyx, and jasper, and granular varieties include chert and flint. 

What is a "rattler" geode?

A rattler can have a couple of scenarios, first off there is a semi hollow to hollow cavity in the geode and something is making a noise when the geode is shaken, which can be very soft to loud sounding.  It could sound like a tinging, a shaking, or thud.   This rattle could be dislodged quartz crystals, decomposed secondary minerals, rarely water (H2O or enhydro geode) or sometimes a mud ball where the elements have seeped in through a crack in the geode over time.   

Does the outside color mean the inside crystals will be the same color? Can you tell me what is in my geode?

Kentucky geodes come in a variety of Natural colors on the inside as well as the outside.  None of our geodes have been dyed or altered.   The outside color does not necessarily mean the inside color will be the same, but the chances are increased.  For example red geodes do not always produce red crystals.  I have seen them with white, clear, red, yellow, lavender, Smoky or orange colors.  The same colors can be present in the form of agate chalcedony.  If you are looking for a particular combination, then buying opened geodes might be an option, or buying geodes from a particular area that is known to produce that combination.  Hall's Gap is Famous for producing Millerite, so the chances of opening up a geode from Hall's gap that has Millerite is incredibly rare nowadays, but still possible.

How should I open my geode?

If your geode is probably solid or an agate your best option is a lapidary or wet saw.  If it is a rattler or thought to have a cavity it can be cracked opened using a pipe cutter, hammer or other means to give it a natural looking break.  It is really up to you, the collector, and what you find aesthetically pleasing.

Do you combine shipping when buying multiple geodes?

Yes we do combine shipping on auction purchases.  Please send us a message letting us know you would like to combine shipping for your purchases, before you pay.  We will send you an invoice after your auctions have ended.   

Photo Quality vs. Display Quality

Capturing the full beauty of a specimen is nearly impossible; I have done my best to make sure the minerals are accurately represented.  Photographs are taken under semi optimum conditions. This includes, custom support stands, and spotlight sources.  Shortwave UV light is used for fluorescent specimens. They are photographed from several single points of view.

If you have questions, please ask. We are Rockhounders amateur geologist and do our best to describe our specimens with accuracy. Some of our geodes have multiple minerals in them, which may or may not be listed in the title description.

  The Bluegrass State is usually overlooked in the international study of minerals. Much like the highly prized Red Black banded agate; some of the most beautiful and colorful specimens in the world are hidden away in the rugged terrain of Kentucky's scenic Knobs Region

Geodes are often named according to a particular feature or mineral they exhibit or mention where the particular geodes were found. Common informal names for geodes include: quartz geodes, amethyst geodes, agate geodes, enhydro geodes, Oco geodes, Keokuk geodes, coconut geodes, Thunder eggs etc. We call our geodes, Kentucky Geodes, Kentucky Geode Nodules, Lapidary Geode and Kentucky Geode Agates dependent on where they are found in Kentucky and qualities they exhibit.  They are all some variety of a geode.

Payment is due within 48 hours for single Auctions and Immediately for Buy it now purchases.   When purchasing multiple auctions for a single shipment; payment is due within 48 hours after the last auction ends.  All packages are 2-3 day shipping.  USPS Priority shipping is used for all packages over 16 ounces; Less than 16 ounces USPS First Class is used.  If USPS has mishandled your box in a way that has damaged your item or has lost your package, you would simply contact them for insurance refund and you keep the item.  All Priority packages are automatically insured for up to $100. 

If you're not satisfied with your purchase, return the eligible product(s) in new and unopened condition in the original packaging for a full refund in accordance with our returns policy. We do not refund the original shipping fees.  The cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund unless your item qualifies for a free return.  Minerals can be delicate and are handled with care when packing them for shipment.  Keep in mind when buying Geodes and Minerals; they are the Art of Nature. Each one is different and unique; made just as they were meant too.

As always contact me first if there is an issue and feel free to ask questions before purchasing. 

Thank you for choosing us to share a little piece of Kentucky with you!

©Lida Asteria 2018

Ky USA