EXHIBIT 23
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 333-75221) pertaining to the Oglebay Norton Incentive Savings and
Stock Ownership Plan, of our report dated June 23, 2000, with respect to the
financial statements and schedules of Oglebay Norton Company Incentive Savings
and Stock Ownership Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1999.


                                                /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
June 23, 2000