From the shores of Lake Erie to the north, the winding Ohio River to the south, the Appalachian foothills to the east, and the flat plains to the west, Ohio’s diverse landscape holds hidden treasures.

While not traditionally known for diamonds, the Buckeye State offers surprising opportunities for gem enthusiasts.

We’re going to cover the top 6 locations for diamond hunting in Ohio. We’ve done the research to save you time and effort. These carefully selected spots give you the best chance of finding these precious stones.

Get ready to explore Ohio’s geological wonders and possibly strike it rich!

How Diamond Forms Here

Diamonds form deep within the Earth, about 90 to 200 kilometers below the surface, where conditions are extreme.

Here, carbon atoms are subjected to intense heat—around 900 to 1,300 degrees Celsius—and immense pressure, about 45 to 60 kilobars. This environment causes the carbon to crystallize into diamond structures over millions to billions of years.

Over time, erosion and weathering expose these stones, making them accessible for mining.

What’s amazing is that each diamond’s journey from deep within the Earth makes it unique, with its own shape, size, and clarity.

The Types of Diamond

Diamonds are classified into various types based on their structure and color. Here are some of the popular types of diamond:

Black Diamond

Black diamonds, also known as carbonados, are truly one-of-a-kind. Unlike their clear cousins, these stones are opaque and have a matte finish.

They don’t sparkle in the traditional sense but have a unique, mysterious charm all their own.

What makes black diamonds special is their age and formation. Most are believed to be 2.6 to 3.2 billion years old, making them some of the oldest gemstones on Earth.

Their dark color comes from numerous inclusions and the presence of graphite or other minerals.

Recently, a massive black diamond called “The Enigma” made headlines. Weighing 555.55 carats, it showcases the growing interest in these unusual stones.

Yellow Diamond

Yellow diamonds shine with a vibrant, sunny hue. Their color ranges from light yellow to deep, intense shades.

This beautiful color comes from nitrogen atoms in the diamond’s structure. These atoms absorb blue light and reflect yellow, giving the stone its unique appearance.

Unlike clear diamonds, yellow diamonds are graded based on their color intensity. The deeper and richer the yellow, the more valuable the stone. This grading system is different from the one used for colorless diamonds.

Blue Diamond

The color of the blue diamond can range from a soft, icy blue to a deep, vivid shade. This striking blue comes from boron in the diamond’s crystal structure. It’s a rare occurrence in nature, making these diamonds very uncommon.

One cool thing about blue diamonds is how they react to ultraviolet light. Many of them show a unique glow called fluorescence. This can make their color even more impressive under certain lighting.

Blue diamonds have some famous examples. The Hope Diamond is probably the most well-known. It’s known for being the largest diamond weighing 45.52 carats. It’s current value is estimated to be US$200–350 million.

Red Diamond

Red diamonds are incredibly rare and highly prized. Their distinct red color comes from structural imperfections in the diamond’s crystal lattice, not from chemical impurities like other colored diamonds.

These diamonds are so rare that very few have ever been found. Each discovery of a red diamond is a significant event in the gemstone world.

Their rarity makes them even more valuable than pink or blue diamonds, which are already considered extremely precious.

Some famous red diamonds have captured public attention. The Moussaieff Red from Brazil and the Kazanjian Red Diamond from South Africa are notable examples.

In 1987, a red diamond (Hancock Diamond) sold at auction for a record-setting $927,000, highlighting the extraordinary value placed on these rare gems.

Pink Diamond

Pink diamond’s color can be a soft, delicate pink or a deep, vivid rose. What’s interesting is that scientists aren’t entirely sure why they’re pink. It’s thought to be due to a twist in their crystal structure, not because of any specific element.

These diamonds are incredibly scarce. For every million carats of rough diamonds mined, only one carat might be a pink diamond. This rarity makes them highly prized by collectors and jewelers.

Even small pink diamonds can be worth a lot because of their rarity. They’re often used in high-end jewelry, where their unique color makes a big impact.

Green Diamond

Green diamonds are some of the most unusual and unique colored diamonds. Their color can range from a light mint to a deep forest green

What makes them special is how they get their color. It’s not from a chemical element, but from exposure to natural radiation over millions of years.

This natural coloring process is incredible. It happens when diamonds are near radioactive rocks deep in the earth. The radiation changes the diamond’s crystal structure, creating the green color.

Green diamonds often show unique light effects. Some might have a strong glow under certain lights, adding to their allure..

What Rough Diamonds Look Like

Rough diamonds can be challenging to identify. Here are a few proven techniques that will make it easier for you to identify the rough diamond:

Check for a Glassy or Waxy Luster

One of the most noticeable features of a rough diamond is its luster. Uncut diamonds often have a glassy or waxy appearance.

This is because the rough surface scatters light differently than a smooth, cut surface.

Look for an Octahedral Shape

Rough diamonds typically take on an octahedral shape, which resembles two pyramids joined at the base. This shape is a result of the diamond’s cubic crystal structure.

However, not all rough diamonds will have a perfect octahedral form, as they can be distorted or irregular due to natural forces during formation.

Assess the Density and Weight

Diamonds are known for their density and weight. A rough diamond will feel heavy for its size compared to other stones.

You can test this by holding the stone in your hand and comparing it to a known non-diamond.

Look for a Crystalline Texture

When examining a rough diamond, you may notice a distinct crystalline texture on its surface.

This is due to the diamond’s atomic structure and can help distinguish it from other minerals or synthetic stones.

A Quick Request About Collecting

Tips on where to look

Once you get to the places we have listed below there are some things you should keep in mind when you’re searching:

Look in Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are a great place to start. These rocks form from layers of materials that have settled over time.

Diamonds can be found in these layers. Look for areas where the rock has been worn down or eroded. This is where diamonds might be exposed.

Explore Riverbeds

Rivers are another excellent spot. Over time, water carries diamonds downstream. Look for gravel beds in rivers. These spots can hold diamonds that have been washed away from their original location.

Pay attention to bends in the river. These areas often collect heavier materials, including diamonds.

Check Old Mining Sites

Old mining sites are worth exploring. Many diamonds were left behind during past mining activities.

Look for areas where mining was done in the past. Even if the site is no longer active, it can still be a good place to find hidden gems.

Investigate Hillsides

Hillsides can also be promising. Erosion can expose diamond-bearing rocks. Look for loose soil or rock on slopes.

These areas may reveal diamonds that have been pushed to the surface over time.

Some Great Places To Start

Here are some of the best places to find diamonds in Ohio:

Cleveland Area

Cleveland, located in Cuyahoga County, is an intriguing spot for diamond enthusiasts.

This area gained attention in the late 19th century when a significant diamond was discovered in a creek bed just south of the city. The diamond, later sold for a hefty sum, highlights the area’s potential for finding these precious stones.

The geological features here include glacial deposits and stream beds, which can transport and concentrate diamonds. The nearby Big Creek, known for its rich sedimentary layers, offers a promising environment for gemstone hunting.

As water flows through these deposits, it may uncover hidden treasures, including diamonds.

The region’s history of diamond finds makes it a noteworthy destination for those eager to explore and possibly discover their own sparkling gem in the heart of Ohio.

Milford Area

Milford is located in southwestern Ohio, primarily within Clermont County, and it is also partly situated in Hamilton County. This charming city lies along the banks of the Little Miami River and its East Fork.

This area is known for its rich geological history, which includes ancient riverbeds and glacial deposits that can contain diamonds.

The unique combination of sedimentary and igneous rocks in the region creates ideal conditions for the formation of these precious stones.

The nearby Little Miami River has eroded layers of rock over time, exposing potential diamond deposits. Additionally, the area’s soil is rich in minerals, which enhances the chances of finding diamonds during your explorations.

Sugar Camp Run

Sugar Camp Run is a small stream located in Clermont County. It flows into the East Fork of the Little Miami River near the town of Perintown.

Sugar Camp Run has sedimentary rock formations, which can trap and preserve diamonds as they are transported by water. Additionally, the surrounding landscape features a mix of clay and gravel, which can also yield significant finds.

The ancient rock formations, combined with the erosive power of the stream, have created a unique landscape with exposed rock outcroppings and small waterfalls.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a vibrant city located in southwestern Ohio, serving as the county seat of Hamilton County, nestled along the Ohio River. This vibrant city is near the ancient bedrock of the Cincinnati Arch, where geological conditions are favorable for diamond deposits.

The area’s unique geology, characterized by limestone and dolostone formations, creates an environment where stones can be found.

The region’s history of volcanic activity has also contributed to the presence of kimberlite pipes, which are crucial for diamond formation. These pipes can transport diamonds from deep within the Earth to the surface.

While diamonds are not commonly found in Ohio, the potential for discovery in Cincinnati makes it an exciting destination for gem hunters.

Krumroy

Krumroy is a small community located in Summit County. This area is part of the glacial till deposits formed during the last Ice Age, which are rich in various minerals, including diamonds.

The landscape in and around Krumroy features a mix of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, making it an intriguing spot for gemstone enthusiasts.

The glacial activity has created a diverse terrain, with streams and riverbanks that have eroded over time, potentially exposing hidden gems. Additionally, Krumroy’s proximity to historical diamond mining sites enhances the likelihood of discovering these precious stones.

Places Diamond has been found by county

Having covered our top recommendations, we’d now like to explore the remaining locations where you might discover diamonds in Ohio. We’ve organized these locations by county for easy reference and to provide a clearer geographical context.