What is a Keokuk Geode?

Many people think that the terms “rock” and “geode” are synonymous, but there are two distinguishing characteristics. A geode will have a distinctive bumpy exterior, which sets them apart from a typical rock. Most geodes will also have a hollow center, where you can often find crystal formations. Geodes are found all over the world, but one of the premier locations in Keokuk, Iowa.
The area around Keokuk is known as the Warsaw Foundation, and geodes from here are referred as Keokuk geode. The Warsaw Foundation encompasses a 50-mile radius from Keokuk and enters into Missouri and Illinois, although all geodes mined from this area bear the Keokuk moniker. There have been several minerals found in these geodes, including quartz and pyrite.
