This guide was put together due to many customer & friends requests about how to purchase Amethyst & Citrine Geodes. We believe that we will offer you a few guidelines to assist you on making a better decision and purchase a great piece!

Introduction – Geodes Origin

All Amethyst geodes from Brazil are the result of more than 130 million years of mineral crystallization into the clay layer. Geode's crystal points are composed of alpha transparent crystal quartz that usually has a purple tone due to the presence of iron on its chemical constitution.

Citrine Geodes are also originated in the same manner. However Citrine Geodes are actually Amethyst geodes heated in very high temperature ovens. This process transforms the geode crystals from a purple color to a yellow golden color, simulating nature’s process that takes millions of years to transform amethyst (purple crystals) into citrine (yellow gold crystals). As a consequence of this process, Citrine geodes are usually more fragile and require more care.

Now we believe you are ready to get into more details about how to choose an exceptional Geode for you or someone you love.

Geode Color

When choosing an Amethyst Geode for your mineral collection or for your home décor, please consider that the color of an Amethyst geode tells a lot about its quality. The darker purple the Amethyst Crystal color is the better its quality and value. Sellers describe the best quality geodes as Extras Quality; this definition is given to excellent purple quality.

     

In case you are looking for a Citrine Geode, yellow golden crystal pieces are considered best quality. Due to the heating process these geodes go through, they may present yellow reddish or yellow caramelized tones, which are very special and unique, but reduce the internal luminescence of the crystals (light emission without heart).

At PetriFinds, 99% of our geodes are Extra Quality. Please check our eBay store.

Crystal Points Size & Shine

Crystal points’ size and shine are two other very important factors to consider when purchasing a geode. They are also very connected.

   

Crystal point sizes came in small to extra large sizes, but points that are more uniform and medium in size add more value to the geode.  Large crystal points and tiny crystal point geodes are in high demand and are much appreciated as well.

If you a looking for a shiny geode, one that will reflect a lot of light and energy, look for geodes with smooth and well shaped crystal points, these pieces will reflect natural or artificial light better than others.

Finally, geodes that acquire agate line formations on their edges are considered very special and more precious.

Your Preferences

We have raised many important aspects for you to consider when purchasing geodes.  We want to clarify that although there are characteristics that appreciate the value of a geode such as crystal color, size and uniformity, some other characteristics such as shape, size and mineral inclusions depend on the individual predilection of each person.

Geodes come in a variety of shapes: cathedral (church resemblance), round, cylindrical. The most popular ones are cathedral and tall pieces. Geode sizes are also very diverse, we can find tall and long pieces, deep pieces, small and real large geodes.

   

Finally, many times you will come across geodes that present mineral inclusions, most of the time these are formations in white calcites which can also be found in yellow, orange and rose tones.

Hopefully our guide will make a difference when you decide to get your amazing geode.  When that time comes, please visit our eBay store at www.petrifinds.com. We will be honored to assist you.




Algacir Almeida Jr.
PetriFinds