In several parts of the world, geode localities have spawned profitable industries that collect them, prepare them for market, and ship them to destinations where they are purchased as items of science, natural art and enjoyment. They love tiny geodes as jewelry, sawn and polished geodes as bookends, and spectacular amethyst geodes as items of home or office decor. Broken open, or sawn and polished, people who have never taken a geology course buy thousands of tons of geodes each year.
They are delighted and amazed that an uninteresting rock can contain a beautiful cluster of gemmy crystals, or a colorful lining of banded agate, or both of those in the same cavity. However, the general public has a love affair with them.
