The answer to this question depends on 3 factors: size, variety, scarcity. Size: 2 geodes from the same locale without knowing what's inside, the larger geode is always going to be more expensive (larger pocket, larger secondary crystals). Second, and probably most important is the variety and quality of crystals that can be found on the inside. Example: Moroccan geodes are beautiful, but they are all the same color on the inside which limits the collectors incentive to continue buying more and more (if they're all going to be the same on the inside). In addition to being the same color Moroccan geodes are extremely abundant which is the last characteristic-Scarcity. This is a simple supply/demand concept where scarcity creates demand.

Yes! Each of our geodes is carefully sorted to ensure that each geode is as hollow as possible and thus easier to crack open. Each unopened geode comes with an instruction card on how to crack open the geode and what tools are needed.

Your best chance of obtaining an Amethyst geode are with the Mexican geodes, Tabasco geodes, and the Oco geodes.

We always recommend that one use a hammer and chisel to open their geode (see next FAQ for our recommended chisel type). This method as opposed to just whacking it with a hammer will give you a better chance of cracking the geode into two pieces. Better yet you can purchase the "pre-scored" finish option which increases your chances even further that the geode will crack into two pieces upon opening. All un-opened geodes come with a card containing detailed cracking instructions.

We have a 1-6 day ship window due to all orders being hand picked and the customization and packaging involved with some orders. However, most orders are shipped within the same week of when they were placed. We are a small operation and don't have a factory assembly line for completing orders (part of the reason our orders are such high quality) so please be patient with your order. Every moment we have to spend replying to people about when their order will ship is a moment we aren't working on your order!

We ask that you reach out to the USPS customer service center to inquire about your order, this often times gets somebody looking into the order immediately and magically it's on the road again. All orders are automatically insured for $100 so if your order is lost or damaged please put a claim in at USPS.com or by phone: 1-800-332-0317 Once you have done that reach out to us and we'll see what can be done in the meantime while the claim is settled.

All geodes and geode bags are guaranteed to have at least 90% hollow geodes inside them*

*Exclusions: Tabasco geodes (guaranteed 50% hollow) Thunder Eggs (see below)

Thundereggs are not guaranteed to be hollow, on the contrary almost all Thunder Eggs are solid with a beautiful agate center.

*We often include extra geodes above and beyond the number listed to offset the cost of shipping required to replace geodes. So the 90% guarantee applies to the LISTED number of geodes in each order (ie. if you ordered a bag with 10 geodes in it, we might send 11 geodes total, that way if you end up with two solid geodes you would still have more than 90% hollow geodes as listed. Tabasco geodes are guaranteed to have at least a 50% hollow rate.

We always reccommend using a masonry chisel with as wide of a blade as possible. Here's a link to my favorite chisel that also includes a hand guard for those not used to swinging a hammer: https://amzn.to/3quPbIE