Directions:
Vanadium was originally discovered in Mexico (originally called
"erythronium"). The vanadium ore (plomo pardo de Zimipán -
brownish-gray lead of Zimipán; modern name is vanadinite) was taken from
the Purísima del Cardonal Mine in the state of Hidalgo, near Zimipán.
Today no vanadinite can be found here, but is common at other localities in
Mexico.
The chemical analysis leading to the discovery of the new element was by del
Río at the mining school in Mexico City (Ciudad de México).
Today the trip from Mexico City to the Zimipán is accomplished on route
85, which is the Federal Highway ultimately connecting Mexico City with Nuevo
Laredo on the Texas border. This highway is the original Inter-American Highway.
Lomo de Toro was historically the largest mine complex in the Zimapán
area whose headquarters in Zimapán can be visited.