Removing Crystals from Geodes: A Guide to Preservation

Question
I have discovered what appears to have been a crystal mine near my home.  It's like walking into a giant quartz geode....(the walls and ceiling are full of crystal spears).  I have tried to remove some of the spears but I only managed to shatter and break them...which tells me that I wasn't doing it right.  How do you remove spears from a geode and keep them intact?

Answer
Candy,

If they are good hard material I would use a hammer and chisel.  Could I suggest that you take some pictures so I can get a better idea what you have?  For safety be sure and wear eye protection (safety glasses)

Regards,

Steven D.Covey