Minerals of the Ozarks

Neil Sawford • December 19, 2022

The Ozarks Plateau covers an area of approximately 55 square miles and is home to the towns of Baxter Springs and Galena. This region contains limestones formed about 345 million years ago during the late Mississippian Period.

The Ozarks receives more than 40 inches of rain annually, making it one of Missouri's wettest regions. The constant rainfall in the region forms caverns and feeds seeps and springs, which drain into clear streams that flow over gravel beds in steep-walled valleys. This makes the area a fascinating place to visit after a thrilling ride on some Branson roller coasters and if you check out the Branson Mountain Adventure Gem Mines.

The minerals in the Ozarks are primarily dolomite and limestone, with some sandstone, shale, and chert also present. In the eastern edge of the Ozarks region, these sedimentary rocks have been eroded completely, exposing porphyries and Precambrian granites. This area is known as the St. Francois Mountains, although its height does not exceed 240 meters, except for a few distinct peaks.

The Lake of the Ozarks is also located in the region. It's an artificial lake and a popular tourist destination with many springs. Notable springs include Big Spring and Mammoth Springs.

They are considered to be the world's largest springs. Lead and zinc from galena and sphalerite were once mined in the region. The following are the rocks and minerals of the Ozarks.

Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock found throughout Kansas, mainly composed of calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3). It forms in marine environments through organic processes, such as animal or plant remains or chemical deposition. Many animals and plants (including oysters, corals, some sponges, sea urchins, plankton, and algae) secrete calcium carbonate from the water to form shells or skeletons.

These organisms sink into the ocean, lake, or river when they die. The organic components decay over time, and calcium carbonate accumulates to form limestone. When calcium carbonate is dissolved in water, it falls out, settles to the bottom, and creates chemically deposited limestones.

The limestones that form the Ozark Plateau and contain chert were formed during the Mississippian subperiod. Roadcuts and cliffs along stream valleys are the best spots to see these cherty limestones. These Mississippian limestones were economically significant because they contained valuable lead and zinc ores.

Chert

Chert, also known as flint, is found in many limestones in Kansas as nodules or continuous beds. It is opaque and comes in various colors that range from white to grey or brown to black. It fractures with a shell-like (conchoidal) fracture, and the broken pieces have sharp edges.

Chert is a sedimentary rock made up of microscopic quartz crystals (silica, SiO2). Humans have used chert for thousands of years to make tools and weapons. Chert is also known as jasperoid in the Tri-State mining district of southeastern Kansas, southwestern Missouri, and northeastern Oklahoma.

It was commonly found as waste at abandoned lead and zinc mines in Cherokee County.

Galena

Galena is lead sulfide (PbS), the main mineral found in lead ore. It appears as metal to lead cube-shaped crystals that break into cubic, right-angled fragments. Some galena crystals are enormous. Galena is dense, has a metallic luster on new surfaces, a grey-black streak, and is soft enough to mark any material. Galena has been mined in the Tri-State mining district, once one of the world's most important lead and zinc-producing areas.

Sphalerite

An essential mineral in zinc ore is sphalerite, also known as zinc sulfide (ZnS). Pure sphalerite, also known as zinc blende, blende, blackjack, and mock lead, is nearly colorless, but it is commonly brown, yellow, black, or dark red due to impurities. It has a white to dark-brown streak that is always lighter than the specimen's color. Mineral crystals are typically triangular pyramids with three sides and a base.

Sphalerite will fracture into 12-sided blocks due to its good cleavage in six directions. It has a brilliant resinous or metallic luster and is scratchable with a knife.

Some sphalerite is found in massive deposits ranging in grain size from coarse to fine. The best specimens found in Kansas come from Cherokee County's lead and zinc mines.

Calcite

Calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) is the primary constituent of limestone and, thus, one of Kansas' most common minerals. It is usually white or colorless, but it can be grey, red, green, or blue. A knife can scratch it, but a fingernail cannot. Cherokee County's lead and zinc mines produce some of the best calcite crystals in Kansas. The majority of these are pale yellow, and some are pretty large.

Lead and Zinc

The Tri-State mining district encompassed southwestern Missouri, southeastern Kansas, and northeastern Oklahoma and was one of the world's most important lead and zinc mining areas. For a century (1850-1950), the district produced 50% of the zinc and 10% of the lead in the United States. More than 4,000 mines produced 23 million tons of zinc concentrates and four million tons of lead concentrates during the district's existence.

Suppose you've had your fill of thrilling activities, including a thrilling ride on the Branson roller coasters. In that case, you might be interested in exploring the Ozarks region, where you'll learn about the minerals in the area and you can even mine for your own gems at Branson Mountain Adventure.

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Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.