The Rye Arts Center says thieves have stolen four large geodes from its outdoor rock garden in two separate incidents over the past two months — leaving the space largely empty and the community shaken.

“I’m a Rye resident, so that makes me feel unsafe in my own community,” said Nicole Zahour.

The geodes — mineral formations that take thousands of years to develop — are part of a prestigious collection donated by philanthropist Robert Wiener. According to the center, one geode was taken in February, followed by three more that disappeared overnight earlier this month.

Executive director Adam Levi says the thefts came as a shock.

“Their nature is art — that’s the way we look at them,” Levi said. “We installed some cameras and put in extra assurances to try to keep things safe, and really did not expect this to happen.”

Rye police have opened an investigation into the incidents.

The center is now making a direct appeal to whoever is responsible — asking for the geodes to be returned, no questions asked.

“We are hopeful that whoever did take them will have a change of heart and really just return them back,” Levi said.

For residents like Zahour, the loss goes beyond the monetary value.

“It’s heartbreaking,” she said.

The Rye Arts Center says a full security camera system is now installed at the site as the investigation continues.