Lead Mine

Austin Group, Spar Mountain (Iron Mountain), Cave-In-Rock Mining Sub-District, Hardin County, Illinois, USA

Key Information

Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.

The Lead Mine, Austin Group, Spar Mountain, is in Hardin County, Illinois, USA, near the Ohio River, part of the Cave-In-Rock Mining Sub-District.
It produces fluorite, galena, chalcopyrite, and notably malachite, which is less common in fluorspar deposits.
The geological structure consists of sedimentary rocks, mainly limestones and shales, with vein-type fluorspar deposits.
Mining began in the early 20th century, was exposed again in the 1980s by Hastie's operation, and is now largely quarried out.
The area has a rich history tied to outlaws at nearby Cave-in-Rock, now a state park, with a humid subtropical climate and diverse ecology.

Geographic Location

The Lead Mine is located in Hardin County, southern Illinois, USA, near the Ohio River, within the Cave-In-Rock Mining Sub-District. This region is part of the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District, known for its significant mineral deposits. Nearby, the village of Cave-in-Rock, with its famous cave, adds historical and tourist appeal, being just a short distance away.

Minerals Produced

The mine is rich in fluorite (calcium fluoride), a colorful mineral prized by collectors, alongside galena (lead ore) and chalcopyrite (copper iron sulfide). An unexpected find is malachite, a copper carbonate mineral, which is less commonly associated with fluorspar deposits, making it a highlight for enthusiasts seeking unique specimens.

Geological Structure

The area's geology features sedimentary rocks, primarily limestones and shales from the Mississippian and Pennsylvanian periods. The fluorspar deposits are vein-type, formed by hydrothermal activity along fault zones, creating a fascinating geological setting for mineral formation.

Mining History

Mining at the Lead Mine likely started in the early 20th century, with operations by companies like Benzon Mining and Ozark-Mahoning. It was rediscovered and exposed in the early 1980s by Hastie's mining operation, but much of it has since been removed by quarrying. Today, Hastie's Quarry continues to extract crushed stone from the area.

Local Culture and Characteristics

The nearby Cave-in-Rock area has a storied past, once serving as a hideout for river pirates and outlaws in the 18th and 19th centuries. Now a state park, it offers hiking, boating, and historical exploration, blending seamlessly with the mineral-rich landscape for a multifaceted visitor experience.

Climate and Ecology

The region enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, supporting a diverse ecology of forests and riverine habitats along the Ohio River, enhancing the area's natural beauty for mineral hunting.