Sparta

Sparta is nestled in Randolph County, southern Illinois, at approximately 38°8′N 89°42′W, within the "Little Egypt" region known for its rolling hills and fertile valleys. This area is near the Mississippi River, with nearby towns like Chester and Red Bud, but no other major mineral localities were identified in close proximity.

The standout mineral here is the pyrite sun, or pyrite dollar, a rare disk-shaped formation with radiating striations, found in the Anna Shale above the Pennsylvanian Herrin Coal measures. These are highly sought after by collectors for their unique appearance.

The region is part of the Illinois Coal Basin, featuring Pennsylvanian-aged sedimentary rocks, primarily coal and shale. The pyrite suns form due to high pressure and specific conditions in the shale layers, making it a geologically rich area for study.

Coal mining began in the area in the 19th century, with underground operations starting in 1848 in nearby Belleville. In Sparta, mining was active by the 1870s, using the room and pillar method, and the pyrite suns were discovered as a byproduct, adding to the locality's historical significance.

Sparta earned the nickname "Magazineland, U.S.A." post-World War II for its comic book printing plants. It was the main filming location for the 1967 movie "In the Heat of the Night," and now hosts the World Shooting and Recreational Complex, reflecting its community spirit with a population of around 4,000.

The climate is typical Midwestern, with cold winters and warm summers, averaging 45 inches of annual precipitation and 10 inches of snowfall. The ecology includes forests, grasslands, and agricultural lands, with the nearby Shawnee National Forest offering biodiversity and outdoor activities.