After many years of geographical and bibliographical journeys, William Panczner has completed a project that many of us would have loved to initiate, but did not undertake because of its magnitude and intrinsic complexity. Not since L. Salazar Salinas, who is credited with authoring Bole tin numeros 40 and 41 (lnstituto Geologico de Mexico, 1922, 1923), has an author been able to provide readers with a comprehensive volume containing information that is both authentic and reliable on Mexican mineralogy, mineral species, and localities. This volume is the most complete synthesis about Mexican minerals and their occurrences to date. It is richly illustrated with photographs and drawings, is well documented, and is organized into four sections, making it easy to use and enjoyable to read. The introduction contains an interesting summary of the mining history and the development of mineralogy. It also describes, in a condensed but accurate and stimulating manner, the geography and the mineralogy of the country, dividing it into eleven mineral provinces. The author discusses eight of the more important mining districts in Mexico, which produce fine mineral speci mens. There is also a chronology of historical, geological, and mineralogical events in Mexico. This is followed by a bibliography with over 500 references on the subject.

“A jewel to those interested in ore mining, mineral collecting and mineralogy, or the anthropology of value.” —American Ethnologist Anthropologist Elizabeth Emma Ferry traces the movement of minerals as they circulate from Mexican mines to markets, museums, and private collections on both sides of the United States-Mexico border. She describes how and why these byproducts of ore mining come to be valued by people in various walks of life as scientific specimens, religious offerings, works of art, and luxury collectibles. The story of mineral exploration and trade defines a variegated transnational space, shedding new light on the complex relationship between these two countries—and on the process of making value itself. “A novel contribution to the anthropology of natural resources.” —Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology “Highly recommended.” —Choice