Hello. I was just curious about what some good techniques for artificially weathering a concretion to get them open are? I've read that the best way to go is to soak, freeze, thaw, and repeat. But none of the sources I've read describes how long that takes. I'm sure it varies from specimen to specimen but is this process weeks, months or years? Does anyone have any other methods or resources about the process? I was thinking of giving it a try and could use some more information on the process. It seems kind of like the old geode gamble in a way. There's no way of knowing what's inside unless it's partially exposed already. I don't have a geologist's hammer and I think I'd feel bad if I cracked one by hitting it too hard or at the wrong angle. Are there any other tools that are recommended?