gems, jade, jadeite, fei cui, Mesoamerica, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mayans, Olmecs, Aztecs, archaeology, history, archaeogemology

We present the preliminary results of geochemical and geophysical research focused on particular kinds of minerals used by pre-Columbian populations in the Maya region. Beginning in 2017, we initiated a process of mineral identification through archaeometric techniques such as X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, allowing us to obtain new data on the diversity of raw materials used for the manufacture of artifacts, especially those of ornamental use. These initial results have revealed the use of other types of greenstone apart from jadeite, as well as the possible use of different types of iron ores, apart from pyrite and hematite, in the manufacture of reflective objects such as mirrors. Although we have thus far analyzed only a small sample, the data demonstrate the potential of these analytical methods and also open a new line of research that will significantly improve our knowledge of the use of mineral raw materials in pre-Columbian times.