The State Gemstone - Ohio Flint

In 1965, the Ohio General Assembly adopted flint as Ohio’s official gemstone. Large quantities of this gem exist, especially in the eastern and central parts of the state.

Flint, a specialized variety of microcrystalline quartz, is a hard and durable mineral. Both prehistoric and historic natives used flint to make tools, weapons, and ceremonial pieces. Flint Ridge, in Licking and Muskingum counties, was a major source of flint for Ohio’s Indians. The Hopewell Indians traded flint with other native people across the United States. Archaeologists have discovered artifacts made from Flint Ridge flint as far away as the Rocky Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico.

Today, artists use flint to make attractive pieces of jewelry. The gem’s surfaces will take a high polish.

For more information on Flint, read Flint: Ohio's Official Gemstone (PDF), issued by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Geological Survey.