Scientists trace mineral sources for sacred Maya Blue in Late Classic pottery from Buenavista, Belize

Research article (open access)

The analysis showed that the palygorskite used at Buenavista was mined at Sacalum more than 375 km away.

While overland routes between the sites existed, it is most likely that either Maya Blue or palygorskite, along with the knowledge of its production, traveled together with maritime Maya canoers along the north-central Yucatan coast, or from northeastern Quintana Roo to the mouth of the Belize River. From here, canoers may have traveled upstream to Buenavista.