While you might be able to immediately recognize this rock as a Thunderegg, and maybe even have an idea of what it might look like inside, I have a feeling you’ll be surprised by what it really looks like.
See The Inside of This Rock
@ryanthedigger I always love cutting open rocks 🙂 #agate #rock #oregon #rockhound ♬ original sound – Ryan The Digger⛏
More About Thundereggs
Thundereggs are geological curiosities—rounded nodules or geodes that, when cut open, reveal a fascinating array of crystalline formations inside. They are not a specific mineral but rather a rock formation containing deposits of minerals such as quartz, agate, opal, and various others that fill cavities within the host rock.
Thundereggs form within rhyolitic lava flows where gas pockets create hollows within the rock. Over millions of years, these cavities are filled by silica-rich fluids that deposit layer upon layer of minerals, eventually hardening into the crystalline structures seen inside. The exterior of a thunderegg is typically rough and unassuming, often resembling common rocks, which makes them a delightful surprise when split open to reveal their beautiful and complex interiors.
These geological formations are primarily found in volcanic regions, with some of the most famous deposits located in the western United States, particularly in Oregon, which has declared the thunderegg its official state rock. They are also found in Mexico, Germany, Australia, and other volcanic areas around the world.
Thundereggs are highly valued by rockhounds and collectors for their hidden beauty and the excitement of cutting them open to see what patterns and colors lie inside. Each thunderegg is unique, making them prized collectibles. They are often polished and displayed as ornamental objects or used in jewelry and other decorative arts.
Cutting Open 15 Thundereggs With a Lapidary Saw!
