Archaeologists have established the use of iron in this period in Mesoamerica (see commentary accompanying Ether 7:8–9) but not the rest of these metals. Since this list occurs as an example of the inhabitants’ riches, Joseph may have replaced a list of unfamiliar natural resources with items valuable in his own environment. Jade and obsidian were both very important in Olmec trade networks. (See commentary accompanying Ether 10:22.) While it seems improbable that one might mistake either jade or obsidian for a metal, it is possible that the concept being translated is value, not substance.