The Minerva No. 1 mine exploited the largest orebody in the Illinois - Kentucky fluorspar district (and in the U.S.), some 20,000 feet long.
The orebody was discovered in 1940; the 640 foot shaft was sunk in 1942; and production began the following year. Production continued until 1976. It resumed in 1989 and was closed in 1996.
The orebody was tilted gently to the northeast, with sphalerite located nearer to the surface (southwest) and fluorite in the deeper portions. In the mid 1990's, at 1,300 feet underground, this was the deepest mine in the district. The See Min. Rec. v. 28, no. 1, p. 11, 1997 for more information.
In addition to fluorite, this mine produced the finest benstonite, and world-class specimens of strontianite, witherite and baryte.
Includes the famous "Rosiclare level."
References:
- Rossman, G. R. and Squires, R. L. (1974) The occurence of alstonite at Cave in Rock, Illinois. Mineralogical Record 5: 266-269.
- Mineralogical Record (1997): 28(1): 11.
- Rocks & Minerals: 63: 211 & 359.
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Map Reference: 37°28'N , 88°10'W
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Mineral List:15 entries listed. 14 valid minerals. 1 type locality (valid mineral).
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