MUSEUM OF PRECIOUS AND DECORATIVE STONES – HISTORY, RECOGNITION, DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The Museum of Precious and Decorative Stones is one of the well-known museums dedicated to geological topics. The creation of the Museum developed in parallel with the research and exploitation of the Volyn chamber pegmatite deposit. The collection of specimens from the Volyn chamber pegmatite deposit, minerals of the natural resource base of Ukraine and minerals and rocks from deposits around the world has deservedly received the status of unique. This collection, which is the result of many years of hard work by local specialists, is known and respected both among geological experts and numerous nature lovers. Many of the Museum's exhibits are unique and have no analogues in the world. The collection is of exceptional importance for science and cannot be reproduced in the event of its destruction, as the loss of rare exhibits cannot be replaced by other similar ones. Eight specimens from the collection have their own names, dedicated both to prominent scientists of world renown and to names that reflect the characteristic features that appear in the world mineralogical literature. The Museum's development strategy envisages: dissemination of geological knowledge, attraction of a wide range of visitors, ensuring full functioning as a scientific, cultural and educational institution, further development as a centre of geological and mineralogical life, raising the level of its work in accordance with modern requirements, infrastructure development, and expansion of online resources.