What mountain range separates Europe and Asia?

The Ural Mountains have been playing continental bouncer for centuries, creating a 1,550-mile rocky divide between European and Asian Russia. Legend has it that the name "Urals" might come from a Bashkir word meaning "stone belt," which is a fitting name when you pull it up on a map. The range is rich in minerals like iron, copper, gold, and gems like emeralds and diamonds. All of that would make for a pretty fancy belt.