Las Vigas de Ramírez Municipality

Las Vigas de Ramírez is located 40 km northwest of Xalapa, the capital of Veracruz, in central Mexico. It spans about 100 square kilometers with altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 3,140 meters, part of the "Grandes Montañas" region. This mountainous area is accessible via the Mexico City to Veracruz railway and Federal Highways 180 and 122, making it a convenient stop for mineral enthusiasts.

While Las Vigas de Ramírez is famous for amethyst crystals, known for their rich violet color and fine development, the actual mining occurs in Piedra Parada, Tatatila Municipality. However, Las Vigas serves as a distribution hub, linking it closely to these prized minerals found in andesite rock formations.

The region features volcanic mountains with andesite as a predominant rock type, creating cavities where amethysts form. It also includes a complex skarn/ore system with pegmatites and contact skarn zones, offering a rich geological tapestry for exploration.

Mining of amethysts started in the 1970s and continues today, with small-scale operations by local villagers. Mines like La Cascada and La Mina Grande, often accessed via hiking trails, are integral to the local economy and mineral trade.

Named after Rafael Ramírez Castañeda, a key figure in Mexican rural education, the area reflects a strong educational heritage. Agriculture, including corn, coffee, fruits, and rice, is central to the local culture, with the community known for its hospitality and proximity to Xalapa's cultural attractions.

The climate is temperate, with temperatures ranging from 3°C to 20°C, featuring rainy and dry seasons. The ecology includes forests and farmland, with pine and oak forests at higher altitudes, enhancing the region's appeal for outdoor activities alongside mineral collecting.