# Cypress Sandstone Mineral Rights in the Illinois Basin

**TL;DR:** The Cypress Sandstone is a Late Mississippian-age conventional oil and gas producer located 1,200–2,500 feet deep across the Illinois Basin (Illinois, Indiana, Western Kentucky). Positioned stratigraphically above the Aux Vases Sandstone, the Cypress consists of multiple stacked sand bodies that drive hundreds of active waterflood operations, with production often commingled with underlying formations on royalty statements.

## Key Takeaways

- **The Cypress Sandstone is a Late Mississippian stacked-sand formation** sitting above the Aux Vases across the Illinois Basin at depths of 1,200–2,500 feet.
- **Multiple sand bodies within the Cypress** are often designated as "Big Cypress" or "Little Cypress" on royalty statements and production records.
- **Active waterflood operations span hundreds of fields**, making the Cypress a workhorse producer for conventional oil across Illinois, Indiana, and Western Kentucky.
- **Commingled production is common**, with many wells producing from both Cypress and Aux Vases intervals simultaneously.
- **Major producing fields include Mt. Carmel, Lawrence, Main Consolidated, Bridgeport, Olney Consolidated, Westfield, and New Harmony Consolidated**.
- **Buckhead Energy purchases Cypress mineral rights directly** with no broker commissions, listing fees, or auction premiums.
- **Mineral owners should consult qualified professionals** for legal, tax, and investment advice before selling rights.

## Page Highlights

**Formation Overview:** The Cypress Sandstone is a fine-to-medium-grained sandstone composed of multiple stacked sand bodies separated by shale layers, representing Late Mississippian (Chesterian) deposition across the Illinois Basin.

**Stratigraphic Position:** The Cypress sits above the productive Aux Vases Sandstone and below shallower intervals like the Tar Springs, making it part of a vertically stacked system where operators can target multiple pay zones.

**Production Characteristics:** The formation supports hundreds of active waterflood projects across the basin, with many royalty owners receiving payments for commingled Cypress + Aux Vases production from single wellbores.

**Geographic Extent:** Primary production occurs in Illinois, Indiana, and Western Kentucky, with top fields including Mt. Carmel, Lawrence, Main Consolidated, Bridgeport, Olney Consolidated, Westfield, and New Harmony Consolidated.

**Selling Process:** Buckhead Energy provides free written offers for Cypress mineral rights, operating as a direct buyer with 18+ years of experience and BBB accreditation.

## Related Topics

- [Illinois Basin Definitive Guide](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/2026/illinois-basin-definitive-guide) — comprehensive overview of the basin's geology and production history
- [How to Sell Mineral Rights](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/2026/how-to-sell-mineral-rights) — step-by-step guide for mineral owners
- [What Are My Minerals Worth?](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/2026/what-are-my-minerals-worth) — valuation factors and methodology
- [Should I Sell?](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/2026/should-i-sell) — considerations for timing a mineral rights sale
- [Beginner's Guide](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/2026/beginners-guide) — mineral rights fundamentals
- [Getting a Fair Price](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/2026/getting-a-fair-price) — avoiding common valuation pitfalls

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**About Buckhead Energy:** Buckhead Energy is a BBB-accredited mineral rights acquisition company purchasing directly from owners across 33 states since 2007, with no broker commissions or listing fees.  
**Ready to discuss your Cypress Sandstone mineral rights?** [Get your free written offer today](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/sell).