Waste and Potency: Making Men with Minerals in Guanajuato and Tucson

Minerals once considered waste or byproducts from mining operations in Guanajuato, Mexico, have been transformed into highly valued commodities, fetching thousands of dollars at mineral shows and collector hubs like Tucson, Arizona. This study reveals how these minerals transition from being discarded materials to sought-after scientific specimens and aesthetic collectibles, challenging traditional perceptions of their economic and cultural significance. The research employs a comparative approach, examining the social and economic dynamics in Guanajuato's mines and Tucson's collecting communities. By analyzing the movement and valuation of these minerals, the study highlights their dual role as both industrial byproducts and prized commodities, offering insights into the intersection of mining practices, market forces, and cultural appreciation.

Ferry, E. E. (2011). Waste and Potency: Making Men with Minerals in Guanajuato and Tucson. Comparative Studies in Society and History, 53(4), 914–944. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0010417511000454