Minerva Mine Area: Alstonite & Barite Rockhounding in Hardin County, Illinois

Updated June 2026

Minerva Mine Area is a mapped rockhounding spot in Hardin County, Illinois. Reported finds include alstonite, barite, strontianite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Hardin County
State: Illinois
Nearest road: Minerva Mine Road
Coordinates: 37.54309, -88.15630

Geology at Minerva Mine Area

This spot sits on Upper Pope Group (Tar Springs Sandstone through Kinkaid Limestone), mapped as limestone, sandstone, and shale that formed roughly 330 to 325 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this is the classic host for lead, zinc, and fluorite mineralization, which typically follows old cavities and replacement zones.

Mapped unit: Upper Pope Group (Tar Springs Sandstone through Kinkaid Limestone)
Age: 330–325 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: limestone, sandstone, and shale
Elevation: 410 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Minerva Mine Area

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ELIZABETHTOWN station (11 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Minerva Mine Area

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Minerva Mine Area.

Across the state line from Minerva Mine Area

Minerva Mine Area is close enough to the Illinois border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Minerva Mine Area FAQ

Where is Minerva Mine Area?+

Minerva Mine Area is in Hardin County, Illinois, at 37.54309, -88.15630. Nearest road: Minerva Mine Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Minerva Mine Area?+

Minerva Mine Area is reported to produce Alstonite, Barite, Strontianite.

Is collecting allowed at Minerva Mine Area?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Minerva Mine Area?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Minerva Mine Area?+

The most comfortable months at Minerva Mine Area are February to December.

How do I get to Minerva Mine Area?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.54309, -88.15630 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Minerva Mine Road.

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Open Minerva Mine Area on the map

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