The Orton Geological Museum is located in Orton Hall on the South Oval of The Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio. Part of the School of Earth Sciences, the Museum plays a key role in research, teaching, and outreach. Gallery displays are normally open to the public 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Explore rocks, minerals, and fossils from Ohio, from around the world, and from outer space!
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Do you have a rock, mineral, fossil, or gem that needs to be identified? We can help! Send us a request or visit the Museum with your specimen. If you send an email, please be sure to include good, well-focused photographs that include some form of scale. It is helpful if you can tell us where the specimen was collected. Most gem identifications need to be made by direct examination of the specimen.