Minerva No. 1 Mine

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• The Minerva No. 1 Mine is in Hardin County, Illinois, near Cave-in-Rock, part of the Ozark-Mahoning group.

• It produced minerals like fluorite, sphalerite, witherite, and others, with fluorite being particularly notable for its vibrant colors.

• The mine operated from 1940 to 1996, using room and pillar methods, and is now reclaimed.

• It's in sedimentary rocks, likely limestone or dolomite, formed by hydrothermal activity.

• The area has a humid subtropical climate and is part of the Shawnee National Forest, with Cave-in-Rock State Park nearby, known for its historical outlaw connections.

• Location and Context

• The mine is in southern Illinois, close to the Kentucky border, within the Cave-in-Rock Mining Sub-District. This region, part of Little Egypt, is known for its natural beauty and historical significance, with the nearby Cave-in-Rock village offering a glimpse into local culture.

• Minerals and Geology

• Research suggests the mine is famous for fluorite, often with bright blue and purple hues, and some specimens fluoresce under UV light. Other minerals include sphalerite, witherite, alstonite, benstonite, strontianite, and barite. The evidence leans toward it being a bedded replacement type in sedimentary rocks, likely limestone or dolomite, formed by hydrothermal processes.

• Mining History

• It seems likely that mining started in 1940 and continued until 1996, with periods of closure. The Ozark-Mahoning Company operated it, using room and pillar methods, making it one of the largest orebodies in the district.

• Local Culture and Environment

• The area is home to Cave-in-Rock State Park, with a cave historically linked to outlaws and river pirates, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue for visitors. The climate is humid subtropical, and the region, part of the Shawnee National Forest, boasts diverse flora and fauna.