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With rolling plains and vast lakes, Ohio is a gorgeous state that holds many treasures for rockhounds. Explore the rocks, minerals, and gems of the Buckeye State with this guide.
As you travel in Ohio, some common rocks and minerals you might run into are:
- flint,
- fossils,
- dolostone,
- agate,
- Petosky stone,
- calcite,
- celestite,
- fluorite,
- sphalerite,
- barite,
- gold,
- and pyrite.
If you want to collect some specific rocks or minerals from this state, it’s helpful to gather as much information as possible before your trip. Get a head start on your Ohio rockhounding experience with this comprehensive post.
If you are interested in checking out the best rockhounding tools you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).
What Rocks Are Found in Ohio
Ohio has a wide assortment of collectible and useful rocks, such as:
Flint
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Flint Ridge | 39.989829, -82.265553 |
| Licking County | 40.099913, -82.471742 |
| Muskingum County | 39.950232, -81.935142 |
| Coshocton County | 40.248729, -81.889698 |
| Perry County | 39.743000, -82.251126 |
| Tuscarawas River | 40.694255, -81.507893 |
| Homes County | 40.605747, -81.899382 |
| Benton | 39.406519, -82.525640 |
Did you know that Ohio’s state gemstone is flint? Designated as the official state gemstone in 1965, Ohio flint is highly prized for its color and durability.
You can bring home many colors of flint from this state, including red, green, pink, blue, gray, yellow, black, and white. There are many uses for Ohio flint, and rockhounds often fashion pieces into tools or jewelry.
One place that Ohio locals highly recommend visiting is Flint Ridge, located in Licking and Muskingum counties. This area was the main source of flint for Ohio’s Native Americans, who used and traded the stones regularly.
Fossils
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Huffman Dam | 39.797237, -84.090454 |
| Genoa | 41.516832, -83.352880 |
| Sandusky | 41.446000, -82.684967 |
| Trammel Fossil Park | 39.296827, -84.404929 |
| Oakes Quarry Park | 39.814462, -83.995285 |
| Fairborn | 39.803431, -84.003744 |
| Sylvania | 41.700030, -83.709044 |
From trilobites to brachiopods, there are all sorts of fossils that you can excavate from the limestone and dolomite rocks of Ohio. Out of all the fossils that exist in the Buckeye State, the one that receives the most attention is the Isotelus, which was nominated as Ohio’s state fossil in 1985.
These creatures lived around 440 million years ago and are extinct today, but they played an important role in the ocean’s ecosystem during their time.
Fortunately, there are more than a few areas in Ohio where you can find fossils. Huffman Dam, Genoa, and Sandusky are all great places to start.
Recommendation box: All tools and equipment you need for rockhounding and rock identification* (Amazon links):
1. Estwing Rock Hammer – Light, comfortable, and extremely durable hammer.
2. Estwing Geologist Pick – Classic and the most trusted paleo pick in the world.
3. Finder 12-inch Chisels – Heavy-duty chisels set with hand protection.
4. Mini Handle Shovel – This is a great tool for digging deep in the dirt.
5 Ironclad Utility Work Gloves – Breathable, but they also protect the areas requiring them most.
6. 3M Safety Glasses – Comfortable and efficient goggles for rockhounding.
7. Convoy 8+ UV Light – 365nm UV LED flashlight with a patented glass filter.
8. Wesley’s Jewelers Loupe – High magnification options (30X and 60X) with carrying case.
9. Mohs Hardness Kit – A specially designed kit for rockhounds
*All recommended products are personally tested and regularly used by experts from this website.
Dolostone
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Wood County | 41.403292, -83.580530 |
| Genoa | 41.516832, -83.352880 |
| Sandusky | 41.446000, -82.684967 |
| Maple Grove Quarry | 41.225475, -83.213754 |
| Erie Canal | 39.516441, -83.009166 |
| Lake Erie | 41.477304, -81.914645 |
As expected from a state that has plenty of limestone, rockhounds also come across large dolostones in this state. This sedimentary rock is mainly comprised of dolomite, a mineral that’s common in Ohio. Just like limestones, dolostones often contain all sorts of interesting fossils and minerals.
Wood County, Genoa, and Sandusky have plenty of dolostones and dolomite crystals as well. You can also check the areas near the limestone quarries, such as the Maple Grove Quarry.
Agate
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Flint Ridge | 39.989829, -82.265553 |
| Muskingum County | 39.991278, -82.153495 |
| Greene County | 39.703009, -83.863521 |
| Columbus | 39.990902, -82.963432 |
| Guernsey County | 40.048877, -81.601656 |
| Licking County | 39.993033, -82.237038 |
While you can collect regular agates from Ohio, rockhounds can also bring home jasp-agates, which are a combination of jaspers and agates. You’ll find these jasp-agates in all the areas that have regular banded agates.
Flint Ridge and Muskingum County are the best areas in Ohio for agates and jasp-agates. You can also search the surrounding counties for these colorful stones.
Petosky Stone
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Conneaut | 41.949534, -80.608567 |
| Lake Erie | 41.592972, -82.483840 |
| Sandusky | 41.454311, -82.866475 |
| Catawba Island | 41.564842, -82.827930 |
| Kellys Island | 41.585941, -82.698191 |
| Reno Beach | 41.654816, -83.257572 |
It’s true that the Petosky stone is Michigan’s state stone, but you can also collect these gorgeous rocks in Ohio. Due to glacial drift, these fascinating stones ended up in multiple states near Michigan.
Petosky stones are composed of fossilized corral, and when the stone is wet, it displays a stunning hexagonal pattern.
Any of the Lake Erie beaches or surrounding waterways are the perfect places to search for Petosky stones, especially since their patterns only become apparent when they are exposed to water. Start at Conneaut and Sandusky areas, keeping near the water’s edge, to find these stones.
TIP: Have the rocks and minerals in your collection lost some of their initial vibrancy and luster? Restoring that brilliant, just-unearthed pop is surprisingly easy with the right strategy.
7 Simple Ideas: What to Put on Rocks to Make Them Look Wet
What Minerals Are Found in Ohio
Shiny, colorful, and eye-catching minerals await you in Ohio, as you’ll find out below:
Calcite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Allen County | 40.770192, -84.192179 |
| Wood County | 41.360015, -83.587397 |
| Seneca County | 41.178731, -83.140579 |
| Conneaut | 41.949534, -80.608567 |
| Genoa | 41.516832, -83.352880 |
| Sandusky | 41.446000, -82.684967 |
If you’re a fan of calcite crystals, then Ohio is a great state to visit. In the Buckeye State, you can collect clear, golden, and brown calcite crystals, as well as other colors.
Additionally, these dazzling crystals are so common throughout the state that they are easy for anyone to find, as long as you know where to look!
Allen County, Wood County, and Seneca County have more than enough calcite for rockhounds. Be sure to check out the quarries in these counties, including Maple Grove Quarry in Seneca County and Pugh Quarry in Wood County, which are two places known for their calcite crystals.
Celestite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| South Bass Island | 41.645026, -82.813924 |
| Wood County | 41.414622, -83.609370 |
| Ottawa County | 41.591020, -83.077909 |
| Genoa | 41.516832, -83.352880 |
| Green Island | 41.645069, -82.864941 |
| Sandusky | 41.446000, -82.684967 |
Celestite, also called celestine, exists mainly in northwestern Ohio, and you can bring home stunning white or light blue crystals from this state.
While the crystals come in all shapes, if you want to gather larger specimens, it’s best to check the areas around Lake Erie, which have larger crystals than other areas in Ohio.
As mentioned, you’ll need to look near Lake Erie for calcite crystals that are on the larger side, specifically near South Bass Island.
Fluorite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Lake Erie | 41.731442, -83.371063 |
| Genoa | 41.516832, -83.352880 |
| Sandusky | 41.446000, -82.684967 |
| Paulding County | 41.108327, -84.554069 |
| Allen County | 40.770192, -84.192179 |
| Wood County | 41.414622, -83.609370 |
Fluorite is famous for displaying all the colors of the rainbow, and in Ohio, the most common versions are brown, purple, yellow, and green. Ohio fluorite usually shows up with other minerals, especially calcite, so you might get a two-for-one deal on minerals when you search for fluorite in the Buckeye State.
The islands and beaches of Lake Erie are known to possess fluorite, and you can also excavate near Sandusky or Genoa for this mineral.
TIP: Fluorite can be extremely valuable because of these main factors: color, zonality, crystal habit, mineral paragenesis, and clarity. Find out more in the article below:
Fluorite Value: Main Factors & Prices for Different Units
Sphalerite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Wood County | 41.398141, -83.594263 |
| Pugh Quarry | 41.329837, -83.882374 |
| Maumee Stone Quarry | 41.534149, -83.560037 |
| Lime City | 41.535390, -83.567293 |
| Millersville Quarry | 41.313382, -83.279295 |
| Tiffin | 41.133802, -83.160167 |
When you explore the dolomites of south Ohio, keep an eye out for sphalerite! This shiny red mineral lies hidden within Ohio’s dolomite, and you can find high-grade, gem-quality pieces in this state.
Ohio sphalerites are typically deep red or reddish brown in color, and any area with zinc or iron is likely to have this mineral.
Swing by Pugh Quarry, Maumee Stone Quarry, or Lime City for high-quality sphalerite crystals. Wood County and Tiffin are also great places to search.
Barite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Pugh Quarry | 41.329837, -83.882374 |
| Wood County | 41.398141, -83.594263 |
| Bowling Green | 41.317478, -83.648334 |
| Sandusky | 41.446000, -82.684967 |
| Genoa | 41.516832, -83.352880 |
| Allen County | 40.770192, -84.192179 |
One interesting fact about barite is that it exists in 26 of Ohio’s counties! In the northwestern and southwestern parts of the state, rockhounds search for this mineral in dolostones.
Both crystalline and granular forms of this mineral exist in the Buckeye State, and Ohio barite can appear white, clear, yellow, or blue.
Wood County, Allen County, and Bowling Green are some of the best areas for barite in Ohio. However, since barite exists in 26 of Ohio’s counties, it’s best to watch out for it no matter where you go in the state.
Gold
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Clear Fork River | 38.845250, -82.537554 |
| Scioto County | 38.809946, -83.037402 |
| Georgetown | 38.870387, -83.909334 |
| Kokosing River | 40.408023, -82.498620 |
| Mansfield | 40.744576, -82.511627 |
| Bainbridge | 39.227139, -83.263993 |
Rockhounds can pan for gold all over Ohio, and while gold isn’t native to the state, it was carried down to the area by glacial drift from Canada. The gold appears in placer deposits, and the mineral is very fine, so you’ll need to be careful as you collect it.
There are claims and prospecting clubs all over Ohio, so it’s best to ask the experts if you’re new to the area. To get you started, some areas where you can pan for gold are the Clear Fork River and waterways in Georgetown.
TIP: Gold prospecting in Ohio is a wonderful puzzle waiting to be pieced together by explorers like you. Check out the complete guide in the article below:
Gold Prospecting in Ohio: 7 Best Locations & Laws
Pyrite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Columbus | 39.903519, -82.970299 |
| Delaware County | 40.289692, -82.964391 |
| Franklin County | 39.940147, -83.174843 |
| Lucas County | 41.680103, -83.402619 |
| Tuscarawas County | 40.430623, -81.499618 |
| Chillicothe | 39.340894, -82.966156 |
| Sandusky | 41.446000, -82.684967 |
Pyrite is common all throughout Ohio, and in many areas, you can find cubic pyrite crystals. Many of these cubic pyrite crystals cluster together, creating a shiny specimen that’s gorgeous from any angle.
Travel to Delaware County, Franklin County, or Lucas County for cubic pyrite crystals from Ohio. Columbus and Chillicothe are also great places to search for this mineral.
FAQ About Common Rocks & Minerals in Ohio
In addition to the rocks and minerals listed above, Ohio still has even more to offer rockhounds:
What Rare Rocks Can You Find in Ohio
Petosky stones, fossils, agates, jaspers, jasp-agates, geodes, and gem-quality flint are some examples of rare stones you can find in Ohio. While Petosky stones are on the rarer side, they do pop up in Ohio.
Usually, these stones reside in Michigan, but glacial drift carried many of them to the surrounding states, including Ohio.
Genoa, Sandusky, and the areas near Lake Erie are some of the top places to visit for rockhounding in Ohio. If you’re searching for a specific rock, take a look at the detailed locations above.
What Rare Minerals Can You Find in Ohio
Would you be surprised to hear that you can find precious gems in Ohio, including diamonds and sapphires?
There’s a vast array of rare minerals that you can find in Ohio, including diamonds, sapphires, celestines, gold, sphalerites, fluorites, amethysts, emeralds, carnelians, and smokey quart crystals.
Of these rare minerals, the ones that you are most likely to find in Ohio are fluorites, sphalerites, celestines, and gold. While you might not find massive gold nuggets in Ohio, you can collect sizable portions of gold flakes and pieces.
Genoa, Sandusky, Wood County, and Allen County have plenty of rare and collectible minerals for rockhounds. To collect a specific mineral, it’s best to save some time and narrow down your search by using the detailed locations listed in the sections above.
BTW: Do you want to know more about rock and mineral identification? The books listed below are the best ones you can find on the internet (Amazon links):
- Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks & Minerals
- Gemstone & Crystal Properties (Quick Study Home)
- Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Rocks and Minerals (National Geographic Kids)
What is the Most Famous Rock or Mineral Found in Ohio
While it might come as a surprise, it’s true that Ohio’s state gemstone is flint, so we’ll designate it as the most famous rock found in the state. Specimens from Ohio are of excellent quality and come in many colors.
Because it’s abundant throughout the state, it’s a pretty easy find for rockhounds of all skill levels. For centuries, Ohio locals have used and gathered flint from the state for various purposes, such as fashioning tools or jewelry.
It was an important resource for Native Americans who once lived in the area, and they often traded their flint wares with other tribes, which is why you can find Ohio flint all over the U.S.
Without a doubt, Flint Ridge is the best place to visit in Ohio for flint. However, you can find this rock almost anywhere in the state, so keep an eye out for it during all your rockhounding adventures.
Conclusion
Ohio is a great place for any rockhound to visit, especially if you enjoy collecting flint or Native American artifacts.
During your Ohio rockhounding journey, you might come across flint, geodes, jasp-agates, sapphires, celestines, and even gold! After you go rockhounding in the Buckeye State, you are sure to return home with a unique haul of rocks and minerals!
TIP: Ohio is a great state to find crystals, some gemstones, and fossils, but you have to know exactly where to go. Find out more in the article below:
Best Rockhounding Sites (+ Beaches) in Ohio & What To Find