# McClosky Limestone Mineral Rights in the Illinois Basin

**TL;DR:** The McClosky Limestone is a Mississippian-age carbonate formation producing oil at 1,800–2,800 feet depth across the Illinois Basin, primarily in southeastern Illinois and Western Kentucky. Productivity varies significantly due to localized porosity from dolomitization and karstification, with the formation supporting active waterflood operations in major fields like Clay City Consolidated and Salem Consolidated.

## Key Takeaways

- **Mississippian-age carbonate producer** spanning southeastern Illinois and Western Kentucky at relatively shallow depths (1,800–2,800 feet TVD)
- **Highly variable reservoir quality** depending on local dolomitization and karst development — productive zones can change dramatically over short distances
- **Co-developed with multiple formations** including the Aux Vases and Cypress sandstones in stacked pay scenarios
- **Active waterflood operations** maintain production across major consolidated fields including Clay City, Salem, Loudon, Lawrence, Olney, and New Harmony
- **Often misidentified as "McClosky sand"** by older operators despite being a carbonate formation, not a clastic reservoir
- **Sits below the Renault Limestone** in the Mississippian stratigraphic column with complex vertical reservoir architecture
- **Direct mineral rights transactions available** through companies like Buckhead Energy without broker commissions or auction premiums

## Page Highlights

**Formation Overview:** The McClosky Limestone is a Mississippian-age (Valmeyeran/Chesterian) carbonate interval that produces oil across the central and southeastern Illinois Basin, commonly stacked with the Aux Vases and Cypress formations in multi-zone developments.

**Geological Characteristics:** Limestone lithology with productivity controlled by secondary porosity from dolomitization and karstification processes; depth ranges from 1,800 to 2,800 feet TVD with significant lateral variability in reservoir quality.

**Top Producing Fields:** Major consolidated fields include Clay City, Salem, Loudon, Lawrence, Olney, and New Harmony, with active waterflood operations maintaining production across southeastern Illinois and Western Kentucky.

**Selling Process:** Mineral owners can obtain free written valuations and offers from direct buyers without incurring broker commissions, listing fees, or auction premiums.

## Related Topics

- [Illinois Basin Definitive Guide](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/illinois-basin) — comprehensive overview of the producing basin
- [How to Sell Mineral Rights](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/how-to-sell-mineral-rights) — step-by-step process guide
- [What Are My Minerals Worth?](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/what-are-my-minerals-worth) — valuation methodology
- [Should I Sell?](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/should-i-sell) — decision framework for mineral owners
- [Beginner's Guide](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/beginners-guide) — fundamentals of mineral rights ownership
- [Getting a Fair Price](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/getting-a-fair-price) — pricing considerations

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**About Buckhead Energy:** Buckhead Energy is a BBB-accredited mineral rights acquisition company that has been purchasing mineral and royalty interests directly from owners across 33 states since 2007.

**Ready to explore your options?** Get a free mineral rights valuation at https://www.buckheadenergy.com/sell