# Cypress Sandstone Mineral Rights in the Illinois Basin

**TL;DR:** The Cypress Sandstone is a Late Mississippian-age conventional oil producer in the Illinois Basin, sitting stratigraphically above the Aux Vases Sandstone at depths of 1,200–2,500 feet. It produces across Illinois, Indiana, and Western Kentucky through hundreds of active waterflood operations, often commingled with Aux Vases production on royalty statements.

## Key Takeaways

- The Cypress Sandstone is a stacked Mississippian-age sandstone reservoir positioned above the Aux Vases formation across the Illinois Basin
- Depths typically range from 1,200 to 2,500 feet TVD, making it a conventional (non-unconventional) play
- The formation comprises multiple individual sand bodies sometimes designated as Big Cypress, Little Cypress, or simply "the Cypress" on royalty statements
- Production is often commingled with Aux Vases output, appearing as combined volumes on mineral owner royalty checks
- Active waterflood operations continue on hundreds of fields across Illinois, Indiana, and Western Kentucky
- Major producing fields include Mt. Carmel, Lawrence, Main Consolidated, Bridgeport, Olney Consolidated, Westfield, and New Harmony Consolidated
- The Cypress sits below shallower intervals like the Tar Springs in the Illinois Basin's classic stacked-sand sequence
- Mineral and royalty owners can obtain written offers for Cypress interests from direct buyers without broker commissions or listing fees

## Page Highlights

**Formation Overview:** The Cypress Sandstone is a Late Mississippian (Chesterian) conventional oil reservoir consisting of fine to medium sandstone bodies separated by shales, acting as a workhorse producer across the Illinois Basin.

**Stratigraphic Position:** Positioned above the Aux Vases Sandstone and below the Tar Springs and other shallower intervals, the Cypress is part of the basin's stacked sandstone system.

**Production Characteristics:** Hundreds of active waterflood operations maintain production, with many wells commingling Cypress and Aux Vases output into a single production stream.

**Geographic Extent:** The formation produces across Illinois, Indiana, and Western Kentucky at relatively shallow depths compared to unconventional plays.

**Major Fields:** Top producing fields include Mt. Carmel Field, Lawrence Field, Main Consolidated Field, Bridgeport Field, Olney Consolidated Field, Westfield Field, and New Harmony Consolidated Field.

**Selling Options:** Mineral and royalty owners holding Cypress interests can obtain free written valuations from direct acquisition companies without intermediary fees.

## Related Topics

- [Illinois Basin Definitive Guide](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/illinois-basin) — comprehensive overview of the basin's geology and production
- [How to Sell Mineral Rights](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/sell) — step-by-step guide for mineral owners
- [What Are My Minerals Worth?](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/mineral-rights-value) — valuation methodology and factors
- [US Drilling Activity Index](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/drilling-activity) — current rig counts and activity trends
- [Oil & Gas Market Data Hub](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/market-data) — commodity prices and market intelligence

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**About Buckhead Energy:** Buckhead Energy is a BBB-accredited direct buyer of mineral rights and royalties, operating with its own capital since 2007 across 33 states. The company provides free written offers to mineral owners without broker commissions, listing fees, or auction premiums.

**Ready to sell your Cypress Sandstone mineral rights?** [Get your free written offer today](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/sell) — no obligations, no fees.