CompuServe Messages

Hi, Kim The best way to cut a geode is to use a lapidary saw with a diamond blade. (That is, a steel blade impregnated with diamond dust around the rim.) The blade runs partially submerged in some sort of coolant (oil, or water with chemicals to reduce rusting of the saw) and the stone is mounted in a vice hooked to a screw or hydraulic cylinder that advances the stone into the blade. the whole thing is mounted in an enclosure to keep the coolant from spraying all over. These saws aren't cheap, but you might find a local 'rock shop' with one that would cut the stone for you for a nominal fee. (They usually charge by the square inch.) Check the yellow pages under lapidary. If you can find a local mineral club, one of the members is sure to have the equipment and might be talked into cutting the rock for free. One of my friends once took his saw to his son's grade school and spent a day cutting whatever stones the students volunteered. However you arrange to get the geode cut, it would be best if your student was there to see the process. That way he or she would get the chance to be the first person in the universe to see the inside of that particular geode. Depending on the geode, that could be most exciting, or incredibly boring. <g> Have a Very Merry Christmas! Guy