A wide variety of gemstones can be found at rock shops around the state, such as Gemini’s Eclectic Emporium in Zanesville, or you can find places to mine your own gemstones and minerals.

You can find relatively rare minerals and gemstones in Ohio if you do some research, get the right tools and equipment, and prepare yourself with patience and persistence. You must also have a permit from the state of Ohio, available free of charge from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Some of the easiest places to find interesting minerals “in the wild” are streambeds and the shorelines of larger lakes, especially Lake Erie. If you want to dig a little deeper, there is more to be found.

At least 55 mineral species can be found in Ohio, including colorful flint, glacial erratics, concretions, plant and animal fossils and even small quantities of gold, according to the ODNR’s Division of Geological Survey (DGS).

Flint, the state’s official gemstone, can be found in a number of locations in eastern and southeastern Ohio, mainly in an area of eastern Licking and western Muskingum counties, near the famed Flint Ridge State Nature Preserve.

Find out more about mineral collecting at the ODNR/DGS website.

One of the richest deposits of flint and quartz can be found at Nethers Farm Flint Quarry, 3680 Flint Ridge Road, Hopewell, near Flint Ridge Nature Preserve. Gem hunters can pan for gems using a sluice, search for gems in a creek bed, or explore the farm’s many trails and gardens. The farm’s rock shop sells jewelry made from gems found on-site. Learn more about Nethers Farm at their Facebook page.

A number of businesses offer prepared gem mining, which allows customers to buy containers of sand or dirt with minerals, gems or fossils to sift or sluice. These are typically family-friendly and great for kids. Places that offer this type of gem mining include:

• Caesar Creek State Park – Caesar Creek State Park’s campground offers seasonal gem mining. 8570 SR 73, Waynesville.
• Fox’s High Rock Farm – At Fox’s High Rock Farm, a petting farm, you can also sift at a gem mine to discover gemstones, fossils, and sharks’ teeth; purchase bags of mining rough at gift shop. 14977 SR 664, Logan. (740) 370-0800.
• Hocking Hills Gem Mine and Gold Rush – Pan for Alaskan gold and find gemstones from around the world at Hocking HIlls Gem Mine and Gold Rush; rock shop available (located at Hocking Hills KOA Holiday). 29255 Pattor Road, Logan (740) 385-4295.
• Island Mining Co. – The Island Mining Co. rock shop has gems, stones and fossils near many other Lake Erie attractions. 115-IM Division St., Kelleys Island (419) 746-2808.
• Ohio Caverns – “America’s Most Colorful Caverns,” Ohio Caverns offers guided tours of largest cavern system in state. Large rock and gift shop with souvenirs, clothing, gifts, wide assortment of rocks, minerals and fossils. 2210 SR 245 E, West Liberty (937) 465-4017.
• Olentangy Caverns – Olentangy Caverns offers cave tours, gem mining, miniature golf, treasure hunt maze, petting zoo and more at this family-friendly attraction. Gift shop includes gem-mining kits and rock-themed kids apparel. Open March 23 through October 31. 1779 Home Road,  Delaware (740) 548-7917.
• Paradise Park Miniature Golf and Gem Mining – Paradise Park has gem mining sluice and miniature golf, recreational activities, Toft’s ice cream for families, parties and groups. 2777 Marion-Waldo Road, Marion (740) 389-3866.
• Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center – Located at one of Ohio’s top tourism attractions, Perry’s Cave offers cave tours, gem mining, mini golf, rock climbing, butterfly habitat, snack bar and more. 979 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay (419) 285-2405.
• Seneca Mining Co. at Seneca Caverns – Located at Seneca Caverns, Seneca Mining Co. offers a fully operational sluice with flowing water where you can pan for gemstones, minerals, crystals, arrow heads and fossils. Open April through November. 15248 E. Township Road 178, Bellevue. (419) 483-6711.
• Salt Fork State Park – Salt Fork State Park campground offers seasonal gem mining. 14755 Cadiz Road (US 22), Lore City. 
• Zane Shawnee Caverns – Gem mining at seasonal RV park and campground. 7092 SR 540 E, Bellefontaine (937) 592-9592. Connect on their Facebook page.

Rock shops around the state, such as Gemini’s Eclectic Emporium in Zanesville shown above, offer prepared gems and semi-precious stones for sale.

Finally, here are some rock shops around the state that offer prepared gems and semi-precious stones for sale.

• Accent on Nature – Large selection of items from natural mineral specimens to carved or polished pieces. 1435 Grandview Ave., Columbus (614) 486-7333.
• Dublin Rocks and Minerals – High-quality rocks, minerals and handcrafted jewelry products, retail and wholesale. 5911 Karric Square Drive, Dublin (614) 553-7091. Connect on their Facebook page.
• Fantasia Mining – Fantasia Mining is a walk-in warehouse and supply store with both polished and rough minerals. 625 Erie St. S., Massillon. Connect on their Facebook page.
• Gemini’s Eclectic Emporium – Over 200 varieties of tumbled stones available, including local Ohio flint. Pendants, jewelry, dozens of varieties of quart, agate and flint and more in an historic building. 621 Main St., Zanesville (740) 995-9617.
• Heart of Stone – Shop that offers bracelets, jewelry, rough and polished gems, fossils, crystals, rock tumbling equipment and more. 209 N. Main St., Newcomerstown (740) 492-4177.
• Momma’s Rocks – Lots of gems, minerals, crystals, fossils, gem mining, metaphysical items; raw and polished rocks. 1698 Merriman Road, Akron (330) 714-7577.
• Noema Rock & Gem Shop – Rocks, gems, jewelry, loose gemstones, decorative items. 1788 Mill St. Austinburg (440) 275-3211. Connect on their Facebook page.
• Pearls of Wisdom – Pearls of Wisdom offers tumbled stones, jewelry, crystals and minerals, healing tools and more. 5326 N. High St., Columbus (614) 262-0146.
• Rocks with Sass Crystal Shop – Rocks, minerals, gemstones and crystals offered according to metaphysical properties; events and classes available. 611 Park Meadow Road Suite J, Westerville.
• V-Rock Shop – Warehouse with wholesale and retail sales; huge variety of rough and polished stones, as well as gift items like gem tree fountains, onyx chess sets, geode pairs and much more. Gem mining offered. 7061 Sunset Strip Ave. NW, North Canton (330) 494-1759.

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