author
J. E. (John Everts) Lamar
1897–1979
A longtime Illinois geologist, he turned practical knowledge about stone, clay, and mineral resources into clear books that helped explain how the state was built and used. His writing sits at the meeting point of science, industry, and local history.
1 Audiobook
Industrial Minerals and Metals of Illinois
by J. E. (John Everts) Lamar
About the author
John Everts Lamar (1897–1979), usually published as J. E. Lamar, was an American geologist best known for his work on industrial minerals in Illinois. A memorial published by the Geological Society of America describes him as an internationally recognized specialist in industrial minerals who spent nearly 50 years serving the people of Illinois through the State Geological Survey.
Lamar devoted most of his career to the Illinois State Geological Survey and became a leading authority on materials such as limestone and dolomite. His books and reports include Industrial Minerals and Metals of Illinois, Uses of Limestone and Dolomite, and many other survey publications that focused on the practical geology of the state.
Even after retiring in 1966, he continued sharing his knowledge of Illinois geology. His work stands out for being useful as well as scholarly: he wrote in a way that connected geologic research to everyday building materials, natural resources, and the industries that relied on them.