did the pre-Columbia Native Americans mine and smelt iron,copper,and lead?

Answer 1

The Mexica or Mesheeka better known as the Aztecs occasionally used gold dust as a medium of exchange, but more so for decoration and wrought into ornaments. The Peruvians under the rule of the Inca also boasted items made of gold. Copper was the currency or change metal of the Aztec realm and fashioned into thin "chisel" shaped strips known as Xiki or SheeKee. Some larger Xiki were shaped like a T with a downward curved top.

Answer 2

I've never really looked into that. But I know that natives in Mexico and parts of South America worked with gold. Traditional Native Americans believe rocks are alive, and as such have power and shouldn't be altered, as they are made by the creator and should be left in that state. Wiccans too, I believe, feel a stone such as a ruby has more power in its natural state then cut into facets. Hope I was of some help.