Geography of Illinois before the dinosaurs. Galena, a lead ore, has been mined in the northwest corner of the state. The ore was processed around Peru, Illinois, where river transport was available to bring the ore to a source of coal. About six tons of coal are needed for each ton of ore. Fluorite, calcium fluoride, is the state mineral. It is mined in the southeastern portion of the state, around Metropolis. Fluorine gas is produced from fluorite. This is used in the production of uranium hexafluoride in Metropolis, Illinois for use at the gaseous diffusion plant in Paducah, Kentucky. Geodes can be
Galena, Illinois in 1863 and John Duerr was brevetted in 1865. Duerr later served as mayor of Monticello, Iowa. Galena Historical Society (June 21, 2006). "History Highlights". Retrieved April 13, 2007.www.galenahistorymuseum.org Galena, Illinois Galena is the largest city in and the county seat of Jo Daviess County, Illinois, with a population of 3,429 at the 2010 census. A section of the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Galena Historic District. The city is named for the mineral galena, which was mined by Native Americans in the area for over a thousand years. Owing to these deposits,