Geodes are like nature’s surprise eggs, filled with sparkling crystals inside a plain-looking rock. Our state is a treasure trove for these hidden gems, with its many different landscapes that make it perfect for rock hounds.

If you’re itching to crack open your own crystal-filled wonder, you’re in the right place!

This article will show you the best spots in our state to find geodes. We’ll also share some handy tips to make your geode hunting adventure a success.

So grab your hammer and get ready to discover the beauty hiding in ordinary-looking rocks all around this state!

How Geodes From Here

Geodes form when bubbles in volcanic rocks or spaces in sedimentary rocks get filled with minerals over time.

First, water rich in minerals like quartz or calcite seeps into the hollow space. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind the minerals, which slowly build up layer by layer.

Eventually, these minerals create a crystal lining inside the geode. The outer shell stays rough, while the inside becomes a sparkling treasure.

The process can take thousands, even millions, of years, making each geode a unique and beautiful time capsule of Earth’s natural forces.

The Types Of Geodes Found in the US

There are many fascinating varieties of geodes that can be found across the United States, including in our own state. Each type is distinctly beautiful and intriguing:

Amethyst Geode

Amethyst geodes look plain on the outside, like a potato. But crack them open, and you’ll find stunning purple crystals. These crystals can be light lavender or deep purple.

The structure of crystals inside can vary widely. Some are tiny and densely packed, creating a sparkling surface. Others form large, distinct points that jut inwards.

The color range is impressive too, from pale lilac to deep royal purple. Some amethyst geodes develop unique features. “Stalactites” of amethyst might hang from the top.

In rare cases, you might find a water bubble trapped inside, a remnant from the geode’s formation millions of years ago.

Citrine Geode

Citrine geodes are eye-catching rocks with golden yellow to orange crystals inside. They sparkle when light hits them, looking like sunshine trapped in stone. The colors come from iron mixed in with the quartz.

Unlike many gemstones, citrine’s color is often evenly distributed throughout the crystal.

Most citrine on the market isn’t natural. It’s actually heat-treated amethyst. This process turns the purple amethyst into vibrant citrine. Natural citrine is rarer and often has a more subtle color.

Pyrite Geode

Ever cracked open a rock and found gold inside? Well, not real gold, but something that looks just like it. That’s a pyrite geode. Pyrite is called “fool’s gold” because it’s so shiny and golden.

Inside these geodes, pyrite forms in cool shapes. Sometimes it’s perfect cubes. Other times its clumps or even round balls called “pyrite suns”.

Pyrite has a fun history. People have been mixing it up with real gold for thousands of years. That’s how it got its nickname.

Selenite Geode

Selenite geodes stand out from the crowd. They’re white and see-through, with a glassy look. When you open one up, you’ll see crystals that look like they’re made of ice or moonlight.

Unlike harder geodes, selenite is soft. You can scratch it with your fingernail! This softness means you need to handle it carefully. But it also means selenite can be shaped into beautiful forms easily.

One cool thing about selenite is how it plays with light. Hold it up to a lamp, and you’ll see the light shine right through it. This makes selenite geodes popular for decorative lamps and light fixtures. They add a magical glow to any room.

Celestite Geode

Celestite geodes are like pieces of sky trapped in rock. Their crystals are typically a delicate blue, ranging from almost colorless to deep sky blue. In rare cases, celestite can form in other colors. Pink celestite is highly prized by collectors.

One unique feature of celestite is its perfect cleavage. This means the crystals can be easily split into rhombohedral shapes.

These geodes form in a unique way. They start as nodules of a soft mineral called alabaster. Over time, this dissolves and is replaced by celestite crystals. Some celestite geodes are huge, like the famous Crystal Cave in Ohio.

Celestite isn’t just pretty to look at. It’s used to make strontium, an element with many uses. You’ll find strontium in fireworks, where it creates red colors. It’s also used in making TV screens and ceramics.

Jasper Geode

Jasper geodes are the chameleons of the mineral world. They can appear in almost any color, often with multiple hues in a single specimen. Patterns can range from solid colors to intricate swirls, bands, or spots.

One fascinating type is picture jasper. These geodes contain patterns that resemble landscapes, with “skies,” “mountains,” and “rivers” visible in the stone. Each one is like a miniature painting created by nature.

Some jasper geodes contain orbicular patterns – spherical structures that formed as the jasper solidified. These create eye-catching bull’s-eye or flower-like designs in the stone, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Carnelian Geode

Carnelian geodes have vibrant orange to reddish-brown colors. They can be somewhat see-through, which makes them look even more interesting. The bright colors come from the iron in the stone.

These geodes stand out from other similar stones. They’re brighter than sard, which is usually darker and more brownish. And unlike agate, carnelian doesn’t have bands or stripes.

Carnelian has been popular for a long time. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used it to make special rings. It’s tough enough for everyday jewelry.

Some people heat or dye carnelian to make its color even brighter. This makes it a favorite for both rock collectors and jewelry lovers.

Fluorite Geode

Fluorite geodes are like nature’s rainbow. They come in many colors – purple, green, blue, yellow, and sometimes even clear or black. When you open one up, you might see cube-shaped or eight-sided crystals inside.

What makes fluorite special is that you can often see more than one color in a single stone. This is different from many other geodes. Also, fluorite has a unique way of splitting when it breaks.

A cool fact: fluorite glows blue under ultraviolet light. This was first discovered back in 1852. Because of its many colors and this glowing ability, fluorite is sometimes called the “most colorful mineral in the world.”

Scolecite Geode

Scolecite geodes are like tiny crystal caves. They’re usually white or colorless, but sometimes you might find pink, yellow, or green ones.

What makes them special is the crystals inside. They look like thin needles or delicate hairs, all pointing out from the center.

These geodes are different from others because of their crystal shape. Instead of blocky or chunky crystals, scolecite has these fine, hair-like ones. This gives them a unique, delicate look.

Scolecite has an interesting property – it can hold a lot of water in its structure. This means it can absorb and release water easily. This makes scolecite useful in various ways, not just as a pretty rock to look at.

Apophyllite Geode

Apophyllite geodes are like nature’s disco balls. They often have dark or black crystals inside a hollow rock. These crystals can be see-through or slightly cloudy, with cube-like or flat shapes.

What makes apophyllite geodes stand out is how the crystals form. They grow in round clusters that look like tiny disco balls. This unique formation is rare and makes them special to rock enthusiasts.

Collectors really prize these “disco ball” clusters. They’re not common, which makes them valuable to people who love unusual rocks. The way apophyllite crystals catch and reflect light adds to their appeal, making them fascinating to look at and study.

What Rough Geode Looks Like

Identifying a rough geode might seem tricky, but with a few tips, you can spot one even if you’re not a rock expert. Here’s how you can do it.

Look for a Rounded Shape

A rough geode often has a rounded or egg-like shape. It might not be perfectly round but look for a generally bulbous form.

When you’re out searching, skip the flat, jagged rocks. Geodes usually have smoother exteriors because they’ve been rolling around in rivers or other environments for a long time.

Check for a Dull, Bumpy Surface

The outside of a geode isn’t usually shiny. Instead, it’s dull, bumpy, and a bit rough.

Imagine a potato or a clump of dirt with some bumps and dents. That’s how a geode might look before it’s cracked open.

The outside won’t give away much of what’s inside, so don’t be fooled by its ordinary appearance.

Test the Weight

Pick up the rock. Does it feel lighter than it looks? That’s a good sign!

Geodes are hollow or partially hollow, which makes them lighter than solid rocks of the same size. If it feels unexpectedly light, you might have found something special.

Look for Tiny Crystals or Mineral Patches

Sometimes, you can spot small crystals or mineral deposits on the outside. These could look like tiny sparkles or specks of color.

While the outside of a geode is usually dull, a little peek of what’s inside might show through. Keep an eye out for these hints, especially if you’re in a known geode-rich area.

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:

Explore Riverbeds and Streams

Geodes often form in riverbeds or streams. Water flow smooths out their rough edges and deposits them in these areas.

When exploring, focus on gravel bars or the edges of rivers where rocks naturally gather.

Search in Sedimentary Rock Layers

Sedimentary rocks, like limestone, are prime spots for geodes. These rocks form in layers over time, trapping minerals inside.

Look for areas where sedimentary rocks are exposed, such as cliffs or road cuts.

Visit Old Mines or Quarries

Abandoned mines and quarries are excellent spots for geode hunting.

Workers often missed geodes while digging for other materials. Explore the tailings or leftover rock piles for hidden treasures.

Explore Hills and Rock Outcrops

Hills and rocky outcrops often reveal geodes. As erosion wears away the softer rock, it exposes the harder geodes.

Look for areas with exposed rocks and keep an eye out for rounded shapes.

The Types of Geodes You Can Find in Ohio

The world abounds in different kinds of this natural wonder and the price of a geode depends on it. Here in Ohio, below are some of the ones you’ll find:

• Barite geodes
• Calcite geodes
• Celestite geodes
• Dolomite geodes
• Fluorite geodes

The Best Places To Find Geodes in Ohio

To help you in your search for geodes, we’re sharing with you the confirmed places where you can find them here. While you might already be familiar with the great places to mine gems in Ohio, they don’t necessarily have geodes in them, too. So while the places we will share here may not be well known, they are proven to be the best places to look for geodes here!

Crystal Cave

Known as the “world’s largest geode,” Crystal Cave is located about 40 feet under the earth’s surface in Put-in-Bay, an island in Lake Erie. Its crystals were formed millions of years ago when the water table was higher and the cave was filled with water. Over time, minerals seeped in and created the crystal formations we see today. It’s like a science experiment gone wild!

If you want to see for yourself this geode, you can ride the ferry from Port Clinton and take a short ride over to Put-in-Bay. From there, it was just a short walk to the cave entrance.

But before you bring any geode home, make sure to check first the updated guidelines from the State of Ohio.

Where we found geodes in Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave is home to the world’s largest geode with gorgeous formations of celestite crystals. This place is so popular, with visitors going over to Ohio with the sole purpose of visiting it. The largest celestite in Crystal Cave is estimated to be 12,000 to 15,000 years old and measures three feet in width.

The tools every geode hunter will need

When you're out looking for geodes having the right tools for the job is very important. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.

We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced geode hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.

Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.

At a minimum you should have:

1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard

2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set

3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well

4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill

5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable

6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to

7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect

The geode-finding books that we use most

There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:

National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America 

Northeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide 

Earth Treasures: The Northeastern Quadrant 

We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.

Adams County

Adams County is located down in the southern part of our state. Its geography is super diverse, with rolling hills, lush forests, and even a few lakes and rivers scattered about. It’s like nature’s playground down here!

The terrain is pretty varied, too: everything is here from flat, open fields to steep, rocky cliffs. There are all kinds of unique rock formations and mineral deposits that you won’t find anywhere else in Ohio.

To get here, you can take the highway down from Columbus or Cincinnati. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the back roads and really soak up the scenery. Either way, there’s no shortage of cool towns and attractions to check out here.

Where we found geodes in Adams County

Geodes can be found county wide here, but among the most well-known area where geodes abound is in the Serpent Mound Zinc District, which we will also discuss in more detail in this article.

Findlay Arch Mining District

Findlay Arch Mining District is located in the northern part of our state and is known for its rich mineral deposits and unique geology. Its terrain is pretty rugged and hilly, with lots of twists and turns that can be a little challenging to navigate.

The area hasall kinds of different rock formations, mineral deposits, and, of course, geodes to check out. It’s like a treasure hunt down here!

Visiting this place will require you to do a little bit of a hike. You can take the highway down from Toledo or Detroit or take the back roads if you’re feeling adventurous. Whichever way you choose to go here, you’ll find out that this area is totally worth checking out!

Where we found geodes in Findlay Arch Mining District

Geodes lined with calcite, celestite, dolomite, and fluorite can be found in private quarries here. There are also six localities in this district that are best known for its geodes deposits.

Serpent Mound Zinc District

Serpent Mound Zinc District is located down in the southern part of our state. It’s known for its giant, winding serpent-shaped earthwork. The area is pretty flat, with lots of fields and open spaces to explore. And while there are some gentle hills and a few stairs to climb, its terrain is easy to navigate.

This place boasts of having all kinds of unique rock formations and mineral deposits that you won’t find anywhere else in the state.

To get here, you can take the highway down from Cincinnati or Columbus. You can also choose to take the back roads if you want to soak up the scenery on your journey here. Ready to visit?

Where we found geodes in Serpent Mound Zinc District

This place is a small area that’s split between the Adams and Highlands County of our state. The best area here where you can find geodes is on the western edge of the mound structure.

Sandusky County

Located in the northern part of Ohio, Sandusky County is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and vibrant farmland. Its geography is pretty diverse with everything from flat fields to rocky cliffs.

The terrain is pretty varied, too. You’ve got everything from easy hiking trails to more challenging ones that will really get your heart pumping. There are also all kinds of unique rock formations and mineral deposits here, which you’ll surely love.

Getting here is pretty easy, too. You can take the highway down from Toledo or Detroit or take a leisurely drive at the backroads. Just remember, it’s a bit of a hike to get up there, but it’s totally worth it for the views and the geodes!

Where we found geodes in Sandusky County

Geodes are found county wide here, but if you want to be sure to find one, we recommend going to Findlay Arch Mining District where they are more commonly found.

Other Great Places To Dig For Ohio Geodes

While we’ve already share our favorite places to find geodes here, there are other places you can explore in our state for some geodes adventure. We’ve listed them down below by county to make it easier for you. For places where we put, “county wide”, we’ll prove more specific recommendations in the following item.

Our recommendations by county

County	Location
Adams	County wide
Adams	On the western edge of Serpent Mound
Coschocton	County wide
Coshocton	The Mohawk Dam spillway, western part
Highlands	County wide
Highlands	On the western edge of Serpent Mound
Ottawa	Countywide
Ottawa	Inside the Crystal Cave in Put-in-Bay
Sandusky	County wide
Sandusky	Six localities in the Findlay Arch Mining District
Scioto	County wide
Scioto	The area of Portsmouth

Common Geode-Hunting Questions

When others search about geode in Ohio online, they often follow it up with other specific questions. We figured you might have these questions, too, and so we’ll tackle them here:

Where can you find amethyst geodes in Ohio?

Amethyst geodes are lovely treasures, but they are quite difficult to find. Unfortunately, this kind of geode does not naturally occur in Ohio. If you’re really looking for one here, you might want to check out a great local rock and gem shop (we have a list of them below).

Is it illegal to collect geodes in Ohio?

If you are following the local collecting laws of our state, you would have no problem, legally speaking, collecting geodes in Ohio. Just make sure that, if you’re collecting on government land, you’ll stick to local regulations and that, if you’re collecting from any private land, you’ll seek permission from the owner first.

The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Ohio

We get it: spending hours trekking, hiking, and bending back over looking for geodes in their natural habitat may not be for everyone. Luck you, we also compiled some of the best shops where you can buy geodes here.

• V-Rock Shop – 7061 Sunset Strip Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720
• Amazon – Surprisingly, they have an amazing set of geodes to choose from. What’s more is they even have geodes ready to be cracked open and whole kits you can use to do so!
• Manning’s Rock Shop – 3615 East State Route 55 Troy, OH 45373
• Georarities – 2511 Essex Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45206
• Delphy Crystals – Cincinnati, OH
• Rocks With Sass – 611 Park Meadow Rd ste J, Westerville, OH 43081
• DH Crystal Company – 240 North Liberty Street, Powell OH 43065

Additional places to find geodes in nearby states

Check out our guides for nearby states if you’ve already tried all of our suggestions above or if you’re planning a trip outside of the state:

• Geodes in Michigan
• Geodes in Indiana
• Geodes in Kentucky
• Geodes in West Virginia
• Geodes in Pennsylvania

If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!