Rockhound Locations in Ohio
Here at Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in Ohio. On top of that, we’ve created a resource page to assist with answering all of your gem and mineral collecting questions.
We hope you enjoy your time on our site and come back often because we’re always adding new dig locations and crystal collecting updates. This is a great resource for anyone who loves rockhounding, from beginners to experts alike!
Rockhounding in Ohio is a great way to discover the state’s diverse geology and fossilized wildlife. The number of potential collecting sites here makes it an excellent location for those interested not only in rocks, but also minerals that can be found within them!
We are here for any questions or concerns that might arise about your adventures in mineral collecting.
Ohio Rockhound Locations
Rockhounding in Ohio is difficult since there’s only a limited variety of crystals, gemstones, and fossils. The best spots are typically located in the northern and southern parts of the state.
If you’re looking to collect Calcite, Fluorite, Pyrite, Flint, and Celestite then Ohio has plenty of dig locations to choose from.
There are some pay-to-collect sights throughout Ohio, which we won’t discuss in detail here. However, if you’re okay with paying a small fee to collect some geodes, check out places such as Nethers Farm.
If you’re an active rock collector in Ohio then send us an email about your favorite locations and we will feature you on the site and we might sponsor you as well. That’s right, we will pay you to go dig for rocks and minerals.
Here are the best rockhound locations in Ohio!
Ohio Gemstone Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Sandusky quarries & outcrops | 41.417043, -82.680331 | Calcite, Celestite, Dolomite crystals, Fluorite, Marcasite, Pyrite |
| Maple Grove Quarry | 41.225566, -83.213729 | Calcite, Celestite, Dolomite crystals, Fluorite, Marcasite, Pyrite |
| Tuscarawas County | 40.550249, -81.405939 | Pyrite |
| Tuscarawas River | 40.597196, -81.412921 | Flint |
| Bowling Green | 41.316022, -83.648183 | Barite crystals, Calcite, Celestite, Fluorite, Pyrite |
| Lime City quarries | 41.535628, -83.564608 | Celestite |
| Green Island | 41.645523, -82.865331 | Celestite Crystals |
| Perry County | 39.732585, -82.150548 | Flint nodules |
| Chillicothe | 39.351086, -83.096715 | Pyrite crystals |
Northern Ohio touches Lake Erie, which makes for a great spot to collect Agate and Jasper along the shoreline.
Highland County is located northwest of Lawrence County, just south of Cincinnati. While the whole area isn’t ideal for rockhounding, places like Sinking Springs are best for digging for crystals.
Hematite is plentiful in this part of the State.
Green Island is a small, 17-acre island in Lake Erie. In the past, it was used as a lighthouse to guide ships on the Great Lakes.
Rockhounds can find Celestite crystals on the shores of this small island.
Ohio Crystal Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Whitehouse quarries | 41.512178, -83.800340 | Celestite, Gypsum |
| Muskingum County gravel bars | 39.959531, -81.934761 | Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Flint, Jasper, Smoky Quartz crystals |
| Clay Center | 41.574350, -83.363506 | Calcite, Celestite, Dolomite crystals, Fluorite, Pyrite, Fossils |
| Genoa area quarries | 41.507963, -83.354410 | Calcite, Celestite, Dolomite crystals, Fluorite, Marcasite, Pyrite, Fossils |
| Delaware County | 40.291434, -83.130509 | Pyrite |
| Columbus area road cuts | 39.902324, -83.016264 | Pyrite Crystals |
| Sinking Spring area ore deposit | 39.072742, -83.386800 | Hematite |
| Benton Township | 39.406439, -82.523809 | Flint |
| Holmes County | 40.554179, -81.917311 | Flint |
| Lawrence County | 38.614977, -82.537614 | Flint |
| Flint Ridge area | 39.989733, -82.265178 | Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Jasper, Smoky Quartz crystals, Quartz |
| Licking & Muskingum Counties | 40.050367, -82.387902 | Flint, Chalcedony, Druzy Quartz |
| Conneaut area quarries, pits | 41.884742, -80.661573 | Calcite |
Southern Ohio is bordered by West Virginia to the south, with Charleston being the closest major city.
You can occasionally find fossils and other metamorphic rocks.
Tuscarawas County is a rural region bordering Pennsylvania to the east. The old rock quarries and mines are the best spots for rockhounding.
This area is best for finding Pyrite and Flint.
Bowling Green is located near Highway 75, making it an easily accessed area. Most of the region is open space, and you should be able to find some old gravel pits.
Rockhounds should find Barite, Celestite, Calcite, and Pyrite crystals.
Ohio Fossil Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Fossils |
|---|---|---|
| Medusa Quarry | 41.700550, -83.747443 | Fossils, multiple varieties |
| Clay Center | 41.574350, -83.363506 | Fossils |
| Genoa area quarries | 41.507963, -83.354410 | Fossils |
| Sandusky area quarries | 41.417043, -82.680331 | Fossils |
| Maple Grove Quarry | 41.225566, -83.213729 | Fossils |
Fossil Park is located near the Medusa Quarry, which is a commercial digging site. The Park was built back in 1850 but was repaired in 1995.
Rockhounds have found a variety of fossils in this area with Devonian-era fossils being the most prevalent.
What is Ohio Flint Used For?
Ohio Flint was originally used by Native American tribes living in the region. They sharpened these somewhat soft rocks into arrowheads and spearheads for hunting and war. Today, Flint is predominantly used for decoration since most of these old tools have been replaced by modern weapons.
Rock And Mineral Societies
The Cincinnati Mineral Society is a group of dedicated volunteers passionate about rocks and minerals. They’re a non-profit organization sharing knowledge on where to find and identify rocks and minerals.
They haven’t posted their meeting dates, but you can contact them for more information.
Miami County Mineral and Gem Society
The Miami County Mineral and Gem Society doesn’tdoesn’t have a standard meeting day listed on its website. According to their meetings tab, their next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 11th.
You can learn more about their field trips, and mineral shows through their ROCKGEM.com tab.
The Akron Mineral Society meets every second Saturday of the month. They don’t have an official website, but they do have a Facebook page.
We recommend requesting access to their private Facebook group for details on how to become a member.
