Cerrillos Turquoise Mines facts for kids
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The Cerrillos Turquoise Mines are very old mines located in the Cerrillos Hills, about 20 miles southwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico. For thousands of years, people have dug for beautiful turquoise stones here. This area is famous because it was one of the most important sources of turquoise for ancient cultures in North America.
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What are the Cerrillos Turquoise Mines?
The Cerrillos Turquoise Mines are a group of ancient mining sites. They are found in the Cerrillos Hills, which are small mountains near Santa Fe. These mines were used by early Native American groups, known as the Ancestral Puebloans, long before Europeans arrived in America.
A Treasure from the Earth
Turquoise is a beautiful blue-green stone. It was highly valued by ancient people. They used it to make jewelry, ornaments, and even for religious ceremonies. The Cerrillos area was a major source of this precious stone. People traveled long distances to get turquoise from these mines.
Who Used the Turquoise?
Archaeologists, who study ancient cultures, believe that much of the turquoise found at places like Chaco Canyon came from the Cerrillos Mines. Chaco Canyon was a major center for the Ancestral Puebloans. It had large, complex buildings and was a hub for trade.
Connecting the Dots: Science Helps!
How do scientists know where the turquoise came from? In 1977, researchers used a special scientific method called neutron activation analysis. This method helps identify the unique chemical "fingerprint" of a stone. By comparing the turquoise from Chaco Canyon to turquoise from the Cerrillos Mines, they found a match. This scientific link showed that the ancient people at Chaco Canyon likely got their turquoise from Cerrillos.
Modern Connections
Today, many modern Pueblo people live in New Mexico. They are descendants of the ancient Pueblo cultures. Some Pueblo communities believe they have ancient rights to these mines. This connection shows the long and important history of the Cerrillos Turquoise Mines.
