Oaxaca Green Tuff Designated International Heritage Stone by Geologists
So, guess what? Oaxaca green tuff, or Cantera Verde, has just been named a 'geoheritage stone' by the International Union of Geological Sciences, which is a pretty big deal! This volcanic stone, known for its unique bluish-green color, has been important in local architecture since the 16th century. The IUGS's subcommission on heritage stones recently added it to a list of 68 stones recognized globally since 2016, thanks to research by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History and the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Plus, Oaxaca’s historic center and Monte Albán have had UNESCO World Heritage status since 1987. It’s the third stone from Mexico to get this honor!
Key facts
- Oaxaca green tuff (Cantera Verde) designated a 'geoheritage stone' by IUGS.
- The stone has shaped Oaxaca’s architecture since the 16th century.
- Designation adds it to a global inventory of 68 stones recognized since 2016.
- Recognition stems from research by INAH and Unam.
- Oaxaca’s historic centre and Monte Albán are Unesco World Heritage sites since 1987.
- Santo Domingo de Guzmán convent, built from 1575 to 18th century, features green tuff.
- Original quarries are closed; deposits in Etla Valley require regulated extraction.
- Over 587 historic sites damaged in 2017 earthquakes, some with green tuff.
- Third Mexican stone to receive IUGS designation after Tezoantla white tuff (2022) and Tezontle volcanic scoria (2024).
- SHS plans to expand inventory to under-represented countries in Asia and South America.
Entities
Artists
- Fernanda Martínez Camacho
- Gurmeet Kaur
- Nora Ariadna Pérez Castellanos
Institutions
- International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS)
- Subcommission on Heritage Stones (SHS)
- National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)
- National Autonomous University of Mexico (Unam)
- Unesco
Locations
- Oaxaca
- Mexico
- Monte Albán
- Etla Valley
- Hidalgo
- Mexico City
- Teotihuacan
- Italy
- Spain
- United States
- Brazil
- Algeria
- Asia
- South America