Ohio’s state gemstone, flint, is the most common mineral found on the earth’s surface. Native Americans and early European settlers used it for tools and weapons. Today, artists make flint jewelry, and it comes in a variety of colors. Ohio has no official state stone, but has other official symbols.
Technically, there is no Ohio state stone. The official symbol that probably comes closest to Ohio’s state stone is the state gemstone, the flint. Flint itself is not a rock, but a type of quartz, which is itself a mineral. In fact, flint is the most common mineral found on the earth’s surface. The adoption of this official state gem occurred in 1956 with the approval of the Ohio General Assembly.
In Ohio, flint is most prevalent in the center of the state, as well as in the eastern part. Historically, one of the major areas in Ohio where Native Americans found flint was in a place called Flint Ridge. Today, flint from this eastern part of the state is also found in other parts of the country because Native Americans would trade flint with each other. Flint native to Flint Ridge has been found in various places such as the Rocky Mountains in the Western United States.
Native Americans, as well as early European settlers, of Ohio had many uses for flint. For Native Americans, flint was a great resource as they could fashion it into a variety of tools, from ceremonial pieces to implements to weapons. Some examples of items Native Americans made with flint include arrowheads, knives, and pipes. For early European settlers, flint was useful for making flintlock guns and millstones.
Today, artists make flint jewelry, some of which collectors consider valuable. Flint is compatible as jewelry due to its shiny surface. Additionally, flint comes in a variety of colors. The range of colors that flint comes in includes blue, black, green, and red. In some cases, different color combinations can determine the value of the jewelry for some collectors.
All in all, the historical and geographic significance of flint in Ohio explains why the state chose to name it as its official gemstone. Because different states have different numbers and types of state symbols, it’s not strange that there isn’t an Ohio state stone. Official symbols are meant to represent and bring exposure to the state, so while there is no Ohio state stone, there are other official symbols for Ohio including the state bird, flower, and tree. In addition to these and many more, Ohio even has an official state drink, a fossil, and a prehistoric monument.
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