Geodes are one of nature’s finest gifts to us. Officially a geode is defined as a rounded stone with a hollow center that is lined with crystals.
The word geode comes from the Greek ‘geodis’ meaning earthy or earth-like. So how do these crystals form? First keep in mind that this process may take thousands of years.. or longer. Basically water or mud gets inside a hollow rock and becomes trapped inside. As the water moves through the center, it leaves tiny crystals behind. They cling to the sides of the center. Eventually these tiny crystals become tightly packed and form the gorgeous geode!
Amethyst is my favorite. Especially the darker purple rocks. Did you know that if too much heat is applied to these geodes, the purple tends to lighten and even turn yellow? In fact many people mistake overheated amethyst for citrine. Both are quartz but not the same!
The largest Amethyst Geode is on display in Australia. Named the Empress of Uruguay, this gem is just over 11 feet tall!
Last year at the Tucson Gem Show, I found a supplier from Uruguay that offered smaller amethyst geodes. I was so drawn to these smaller gems! My mind started spinning, dreaming of the designs I could create using these tiny crystal structures. Of course I purchased these beauties.
The challenging part was figuring out how to best encase these gems to show off their beauty and protect the crystals.
Here is one of my favorites. 
Shop for my geode designs here.
Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector
Provide your Email and first name to Get First Look at newest designs, tidbits and legends about gemstones, jewelry care tips and of course.. COLLECTOR ONLY specials and discounts
Beautiful designs, as always, Alene. Really interesting to read about how geodes are formed. Amethyst is my favourite too.
Wow! These are gorgeous! Great work, Alene. Speaking of geodes: I found one in my back yard a few years back. Nothing as outrageously pretty as these but a lovely brown quartz. It sits in a place of honor in my rock bowl (I’m an amateur collector).
Gorgeous, Alene! I have an amethyst geode pendant that I bought many years ago in Scottsdale. Each time I wear my piece, I find people are quite fascinated by it and ask what it is. Interesting to read how geodes are formed. Another beautiful example of how nature takes its time to create beautiful things, that we humans often take for granted.
I love the way you have presented these gems. The color combinations are fantastic and the crystals just popped to make them more eye catching. What even amazed me was that they came from Uruguay. You had to import these beauties to make awesome pieces.