EXHIBIT 23.1

            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Experts", "Summary
Historical Consolidated Financial Data", and "Selected Historical Consolidated
Financial Data" and to the use of our report dated March 25, 2005, in the
Registration Statement (Form S-1) and related Prospectus of Oglebay Norton
Company for the registration of 3,360,800 shares of its Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock and 3,360,800 shares of its Common Stock Initially Issuable Upon
Conversion of Such Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.

                                                     /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
April 6, 2005