Gemstone Research Articles

THEORETICAL AND APPLIED FOUNDATIONS OF EMPLOYEE MATERIAL LIABILITY

This article delves into the theoretical and practical aspects of employee material liability, focusing on the standards governing the material liability of employees in Ukraine and the European Union. The research aims to analyze the current Ukrainian legislation and international practices to improve approaches to regulating material liability within a market economy. General scientific methods of cognition, such as analysis, comparison, systematization, and generalization, were employed during the study. The findings reveal that Ukrainian legislation stipulates four main types of material liability: full, limited, enhanced, and collective. Full material liability, as regulated by Article 134 of the Labor Code of Ukraine (LCU), applies when there is a written agreement between the employee and the employer, particularly in cases where the employee is entrusted with material assets for use or safekeeping. Key documents for this include an authorization and an agreement. Additional full liability arises in cases of intentional damage or when the employee is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Limited material liability is applied when the losses are less than the average earnings of the employee and does not cover amounts exceeding this threshold. The procedure for calculating average wages is regulated by the CMU Resolution No. 100 of February 8, 1995. Enhanced material liability pertains to employees involved in the handling of precious metals, stones, and currency valuables and can reach up to double or triple the value of the incurred damages. Collective liability applies to groups of employees jointly responsible for damage caused to the enterprise. The practical significance of the research lies in the potential for enhancing the legal framework governing employee material liability in Ukraine, taking into account European experience.

Efficient identification and distinction of musgravite and taaffeite with the utilization of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy

Taaffeite (BeMg3Al8O16) and musgravite (Be(Mg,Fe,Zn)2Al6O12) are two of the rarest gem kinds worldwide, and their scarcity greatly enhances their extraordinary worth. Due to their nearly matched physical properties, discriminating between the two gems using basic gemological equipment will be exceedingly difficult, considering that they both belong to the same mineral family. Distinguishing between these two categories is crucial due to the substantial variation in their rarity levels, which greatly impacts on their market pricing. Nevertheless, there is a lack of published data in the scientific literature about the spectroscopic characterization of musgravite and taaffeite.In this article, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy successfully distinguished Tanzanian musgravite from taaffeite for the first time. In addition, Raman spectroscopy and EPMA are employed for the identification of musgravite and taaffeite specimens. The EPMA results confirm that the Tanzanian gems under investigation have similar elemental compositions to those of the same kinds of stones discovered from other sources. The peaks observed in the ATR and Raman spectra serve as indicators for distinguishing between musgravite and taaffeite gemstones, with the goal of simplifying the identification process. The ATR and Raman spectra of musgravite and taaffeite are comprehensively analyzed and found to be achievable. The main Raman bands used to identify Tanzanian musgravite are situated at 412 and 713 cm−1, whereas for taaffeite, the significant bands were detected at 416 and 761 cm−1. The distinct ATR bands observed at 773 cm−1, corresponding to the vibration of Al–O, can be efficiently utilized as indications to differentiate Tanzanian musgravite from taaffeite. The results prove that ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, like Raman spectroscopy, is a very effective non-invasive method for rapidly distinguishing these precious gemstones.

Приобретение прав собственности на природные ресурсы, содержимое недр, а также драгоценные металлы и камни, не введенные в гражданский оборот

In this article, the problem of acquiring ownership of natural resources, the contents of the subsoil, as well as precious metals and precious stones is considered. Several approaches to solving this problem have been identified in the doctrine. The author concludes that in order to acquire ownership of natural resources, the contents of the subsoil, and precious metals and precious stones that have not been put into civil circulation, it is necessary to comply with a number of requirements, which is why there is reason to believe that the acquisition of ownership of natural resources that are not publicly available for collection, precious metals and precious stones can be an independent way of acquiring ownership rights. This method is expressed in the form of obtaining a permit (license), other legal documents necessary for the nature user, as well as direct extraction (obtaining actual possession) of a natural resource. The acquisition of ownership rights to precious metals and gems introduced into civil circulation differs slightly from ordinary legal relationships and has more of an administrative-legal content than civil law.

TURK OLIMLARI IJODIDA ALISHER NAVOIYNING FALSAFIY-AXLOQIY MEROSI TAHLILI

This article talks about the opinions expressed by Turkish scientists regarding the moral, religious and philosophical views found in Alisher Navoi's work, as well as the researches carried out until today. We know that Navoi's work is a precious gem. No matter how we study his legacy, it will be refined over the years and lead us to the world of unexpected meanings. This article also talks about how the socio-philosophical views of Hazrat Alisher Navoi's work have been analyzed by fellow Turkish scientists. In this regard, reference is made to the monograph "Alisher Navoi" by Turkish literary scholar Ogoh Sirri Levend and the articles "Study of Alisher Navoi in Turkey" by Vahid Turk.

Legal regulation of mining of precious stones: problems and ways of improvement

Legal regulation of mining of precious stones: problems and ways of improvement

Augustin, The Present Researcher, I Say to My Wife “Hyeonhi, Thank You!” (033rd-048th)

French missionary Dallet (1874) wrote in his book that Korean language and Korean people is different from Chinese language and Chinese people. Several researchers studied the translation of ‘the thousand character essay’. The thousand character essay is called as ‘Tcheonzamun’ in Korea. Dallet (1874) described that ‘The thousand character essay’ (Tcheonzamun) was utilized for both Chinese people and Korean people for teaching their children for Chinese characters. It is reasonable that Tcheonzamun is translated through the meaning of Chinese character (Park et al., 2021a; Park et al., 2021b). But it is not be well explained why the Tcheonzamun is translated through Korean pronunciation. The present researcher utilized the book of ‘The thousand character essay’ which had been written by Han (1583). The thousand character essay is called as ‘Tcheonzamun’ in Korea. There are two methods for this translation. The first method is through the meaning of Chinese character. The second method is through Korean pronunciation. Here, in this study, the first method was adopted. And the method of deleting a same part (parts) of Chinese character was utilized. Deleting of same part for the two Chinese character was only on the same line. The line means four Chinese characters. For example, this <033-036 雲(Un) 騰(Deung) 致(Tchi) 雨(U)> is the same line. And the range of this study is (Tcheonzamun 033rd-048th). The title of this work is ‘Augustin, the present researcher, I say to my wife “Hyeonhi, thank you!” (033rd-048th)’. And the range of this is (Tcheonzamun 033rd-048th) of the thousand character essay (Tcheonzamun). The result obtained was described as follows. <Number in Tcheonzamun Chinese characters (the pronunciation on Korean language and written in English alphabet)> 033-036 雲(Un) 騰(Deung) 致(Tchi) 雨(U). 雲(Un)-雨=云 騰(Deung) 致(Tchi) 雨(U) -雨=(nothing). My darling, my husband! You already say to me “I am higher (騰) than you, my wife! And I want to speak (云) solely. Therefore, you must be silently as if you were not (nothing) here any more (致)!” 037-040 露(No) 結(Gyeol) 爲(Wi) 霜(Sang). 露(No)-雨=路 結(Gyeol) 爲(Wi) 霜(Sang)-雨=相. No, it is not so! My darling, my husband! We are married (結), and we are now one. And do you want to continue our life (路) together with me? You and me, I and you (相), we must do our best for two of us (爲) each other. 041-044 金(Geum) 生(Saeng) 麗(Ryeo) 水(Su). 金(Geum)-人=’玉 生(Saeng)-人=土 麗(Ryeo) 水(Su). My husband! You are an ordinary man like soil (土). I, your wife, want to make you to be the splendid man like a precious stone, the jewel (玉), like a shooting star (’). In order for you, my husband, to be such a great man, the water must be beautiful and wise. My dear husband, I am such a wise and beautiful water. I can wash and wash again you, the countrified man. Augustin, the present researcher, I say to my wife “Hyeonhi, thank you!” 045-048 玉(Ok) 出(Tchul) 崑(Gon) 岡(Gang). 玉(Ok) 出(Tchul)-山-山=(nothing) 崑(Gon)-山=昆 岡(Gang)-山=几小. My darling, you were the man who had nothing (nothing) before you met me your lover! I have wanted your success, and I have tried hard to make you such a precious man (玉). My husband, do you want to become such a man? Please make for me, your wife (小), to be able to take out of the vacant and miserable frame (几) of you. You have made the rigid frame for me. My husband, please consider me your wife as the ‘better half’ (昆) for you! My darling, please do not treat me as ‘nothing’ as shown in the first line of this poem (033-036). I, your wife, am wise!

Ricardo’s Law of Comparative Advantage in Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Early Historic Mainland Southeast Asian Metallurgy: Copper-base Metal Production, Exchange, and Consumption Behaviours at Khao Sai On, Nil Kham Haeng, Non Pa Wai, Phromthin Tai, Sab Champa, and Tha Kae in Central Thailand

Since its late 1970s to early 1980s discovery, the Khao Wong Prachan Valley (KWPV) of central Thailand has been assumed to have been a major supplier of copper in Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Early Historic Southeast Asia. KWPV was the first regional metal production system to be characterised by lead isotope (LI) analysis in the late 2000s, revealing a coherent signature easily distinguished from subsequent analyses of production systems at Phu Lon (northern Thailand) and the Vilabouly Complex (central Laos). Despite KWPV’s scale of production, its LI signature has scarcely been detected at Bronze Age metal consumption sites in nearby northeast Thailand and not at all in Iron Age assemblages. We study copper production and copper/bronze consumption behaviours of Iron Age and Early Historic sites in KWPV’s immediate vicinity: Khao Sai On, Phromthin Tai, Tha Kae, and Sab Champa. Khao Sai On and Phromthin Tai production signatures are highly consistent with those previously established, while the uranogenic tendency at Tha Kae explains outliers from Bronze Age Non Pa Wai and Nil Kham Haeng. Analysis of consumption assemblages reveals little to no consistency with local production signatures. This tendency was tested with LI Iron Age and Early Historic datasets for Ban Khu Muang, Ban Mai Chaimongkol, Ban Pong Manao, and Ban Pong Takhob. The pattern is clear: central Thai populations imported copper/bronze, potentially from the Vilabouly Complex or production loci with closely comparable signatures. We examine this counterintuitive behaviour inductively using Ricardo’s Law of Comparative Advantage combined with a technological appreciation of the relatively low productivity of central Thai primary copper production. This suggests central Thailand’s unattached copper producers freely exchanged copper for exotic goods (bronze, glass, semi-precious stone), with potentially poor terms of exchange, from their desire to participate in wider regional trends in conspicuous consumption.

X-Ray powder diffraction - structure prediction of unknown stone using foolproof and GSAS - Rietveld Refinement

A slightly violetish blue, cone shaped, hexagonally soft sheen, a soft lustre on a surface, and semi/nearly transparent with reasonable weight of a natural stone has been analysed as a part of investigation for determining the components of the stone thereby leading to identify as to whether the stone is in a category of gemstone, radioactive elements, or otherwise. Philips, X-pert Pro, DY993 X-ray Powder Diffractometer has been employed for collecting the powder diffraction data in the Bragg-Brentano geometry using proportional counter in the 5° < 2θ < 85° range at room temperature 300 K. The data, thus, obtained from the XRPD has been used in FullProf and GSAS (General Structure Analysis Software) software with the Rietveld refinement technique for elucidating the possible molecular structure of the unknown stone. In addition to the XRPD technique, the physical and optical parameters such as specific gravity, hardness, luster, transparency, cleavage, streak and other associated minerals have also been measured. This study reveals that the stone is in a category of precious stone which is of mineral deposition Corundum, a blue sapphire. The structure has been determined from Rietveld analysis in space group R-3c, with a= 4.7655 (2) Å and c = 13.0132(3) Å.

Words for precious stones in Arabic dictionaries

تحاول هذه الدراسة بيان الفاظ الأحجار الكريمة المستخدمة عند العرب، فقد جاءت الدراسة بعنوان ( الأحجار الكريمة في المعجمات العربية)، وقد وضحنا أهم الاحجار التي وردت في معجمات ،وكتب أهل اللغة من المتقدمين والمحدثين ، وقد تناولنا معنى الحجر الكريم والخرز عند العرب، وفصلنا القول في أنواعها وأشكالها ، واستعمالاتها، ، ومواطن تواجد تلك الخرز والخلاف الحاصل بين العلماء فيها ، ولا يمكن الإغفال عمَّا ورد عند العرب من الأقوال أهل اللغة الثقات، فضلا عن الاستدلال بالأبيات الشعرية، وكذلك الأقوال النثرية، فهي مصدر ثراء اللغة العربية ، ممَّا لا شك فيه ، فقد اسهمت بشكل واضح في الاضفاء على البحث من القوة والرصانة .

Natural Dyes in Embroideries of Byzantine Tradition, the Collection of Embroidered Aëres and Epitaphioi in the National Museum of Art of Romania

The medieval textiles collection of the National Museum of Art of Romania (MNAR) has been in place since 1865 and nowadays preserves about 1000 medieval and pre-modern weavings and embroideries. These extremely valuable objects, dated between the 14th and the 19th centuries, are mainly religious embroidered garments and veils with special significance in the Byzantine li-turgy. Ecclesiastical embroideries of Byzantine tradition are characterized by a complex technique: metallic threads with a silk core, metallic wires and coloured silk threads are couched over padding on layers of silk and cellulosic supports so as to create relief through light reflection. The silk sup-ports and the sewing threads are coloured, mainly in red, blue, green and yellow hues, and analytical investigations of the dyes used in embroideries preserved in the MNAR, in the Putna and Sucevița Monasteries, have been released in previous studies by the corresponding author. The present work continues the approach with research into dyes in about 25 aëres and epitaphioi from the MNAR collection. Considering their privileged function in the liturgical ritual, these luxurious pieces embroidered with silver, gilded silver or coloured silk threads and decorated with pearls, sequins or semi-precious stones are the most faithful description of the stylistic and technological evolution of the art of post-Byzantine embroidery in the Romanian provinces. The data resulting from the present research will improve the knowledge regarding this topic. Dye analysis was performed by liquid chromatography with diode array detection, while fibres were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (with attenuated total reflectance) and optical microscopy. The biological sources identified—carminic acid-based dyes, redwood, dyer’s broom, weld, indigo-based dyes––will be discussed in correspondence with their use in the embroidery technique: support, lining and embroidery threads, together with other sources previously reported on Byzantine embroideries in Romanian collections, and in similar objects preserved at Holy Mount Athos.

THE USE OF PRECIOUS STONES FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES IN MEDIEVAL ANATOLIAN TURKISH CIVILIZATION: THE CASE OF THE RUBY

Alongside narratives of the rarity, beauty, and value of rubies, owning assets (e.g. state, power) has also been expressed in the literature on medieval Anatolian Turkish literature with reference to rubies. Ruby jewelry is a means of displaying wealth and splendor. However, the use of rubies in the field of medicine explains how this wealth signifies more than just owning a precious stone. Those adorned with jewelry made of rubies were protected against deadly diseases like the plague and malaria, resisted bouts of various chronic illnesses, and lived with a joyful heart. Rubies were believed to be an antidote against poisons, and in cases of poisoning, rubies were consumed as the applied medical method. In addition, wearing ruby jewelry was one of the precautions taken against poisonings. The affinity rulers, nobles, and the very wealthy had toward rubies is also linked to preserving health. Medicines prepared using rubies were employed to treat lung, spleen, and stomach diseases, as well as paralysis and epilepsy. Rubies are one of the most expensive materials used in medicine. Medicines made from rubies demonstrate the occurrence of a luxurious treatment, but the frequency of their use remains uncertain.

The role of branding for the marketing of gemmological information: global experience and features of the domestic market

Purpose. To show the importance of creating trade names and trademarks in the gem market for its effective development. The methods. The work uses general scientific methods of research - empirical and theoretical (analysis, generalization, comparison, explanation, classification), as well as methods of statistical processing and display of analyzed information. Findings. The importance of informational support of gemstones at all stages of the creation of commercial products is shown, in particular, branding as a system of measures aimed at increasing the recognition of a certain variety of gemstones. Trademarks of gems and trademarks of certain types of cutting are considered as objects of intellectual property. The dynamics of growth in the value of Paraiba tanzanite, tsavorite, tourmaline as a result of targeted marketing of gemmological information are presented. An analysis of the existing trade names of some foreign analogues of gemstones was carried out. Trade names of gemstones of Ukraine are often limited to one or two variants (jasper, jaspilite, agate, coloured quartz and others), while among foreign analogues there is a much larger number (from 6 to 16) of trade names, which stimulates demand for them and increases interest potential buyers. The originality. For the first time, the peculiarities of branding of well-known trade names of gemstones were analyzed in comparison with domestic varieties. It has been established that there are more than 30 trade names among gemstones of 1–4 orders and more than 20 trade names – among semi-precious gemstones of 1–2 orders, outside the legislation of Ukraine. The determination of the role of branding for the successful marketing of gemmological information and the development of the gemstone market has been further developed. It was established that among foreign analogues of domestic gemstones, there is a much larger number of trade names (agate – 6, jaspilite and petrified wood – 8 each, coloured quartz – 13, marbled limestone – 14, jasper – 16). It is shown for the first time that the presence of emotional colouring in the existing English-language trade names of the most common varieties of precious stones contributes to the growth of their recognition; at the same time, similar components for domestic precious stones are mostly absent. Practical implementation. Analysis of the trade names of the most common varieties of gemstones in Ukraine and abroad allows us to identify what strategies can be applied to increase the competitiveness of domestic resources. Studying these aspects helps to understand which names and marketing approaches are most effective in creating a positive image and increasing demand for Ukrainian gemstones.

EXPLORING TIMURID ARCHITECTURE AS ARCHITECTURAL AND GENEALOGICAL REFERENCE FOR MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE

The Mughals, as genuine Timurids, embraced their Timurid heritage and led a cultural renaissance. They honored their Timurid lineage through artistic expressions like painted genealogies, dynastic portraits, and calligraphic inscriptions on art and precious stones. This research paper investigates the architectural and genealogical connections between Timurid and Mughal architecture. The primary objective is to examine Mughal genealogical references in art and architecture. Further, it explores the Timurid architectural practices that served as a foundation for Mughal architecture. The methodology employed includes a historical-interpretative approach to analyze secondary data and virtual case studies of Timurid and Mughal buildings. This method allows for a qualitative comparison of architectural styles, focusing on spatial configurations, design principles, and aesthetic elements. Case studies of Timurid structures, such as Gur-i-Amir and the Tomb of Ulugh Beg, were analyzed in relation to Mughal buildings, particularly Humayun's Tomb, to trace the transmission of architectural elements. The findings decipher the influence of Timurid architecture on Mughal structures, characterized by the use of geometric patterns, symmetrical compositions, and monumental designs. Key Timurid concepts like the hasht-bihisht plan and the use of double domes were incorporated into Mughal buildings, demonstrating the Mughals' celebration of their Timurid heritage.

PREHISTORIC KASHMIR: UNRAVELING THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF NEOLITHIC ARTIFACTS

In the present paper, we have carried out a systematic study of the important archaeological remains recovered from the Neolithic sites in the Kashmir valley that were excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is also evident from the earlier studies carried out by various Scholars that more than fifty-five Neolithic sites were discovered in the Jammu and Kashmir region, and two in the Ladakh region. The Neolithic remains were found at nine sites during the field work but among these only four Neolithic sites were systematically excavated extensively. These are Burzahom, Gufkral, Simthan and Kanispur. The archaeological artifacts reported from these Neolithic sites in the Kashmir valley were mainly pottery, terracotta objects, metal objects, stone objects, paste Objects and semi-precious stones. In the present paper, an analytical estimation of Neolithic culture such as the structural remains, ceramic assemblages, metal objects, terracotta objects, shell objects, bone objects, and stone objects are studied. The information provided in the present paper about the Neolithic culture in Kashmir is based on the excavations of these four Neolithic archaeological sites in Kashmir Valley such as Burzahom, Gufkral, Simthan and Kanispur. Many other Neolithic settlements are reported in the Kashmir valley which are still waiting for the excavation.

Silver Furnishings of Medieval Altar of St. Stanislaus in Cracow Cathedral

The article looks at these elements of St. Stanislaus’ tomb in the Gothic Cathedral on the Wawel Hill which were made of silver. Except for one (a reliquary diptych) all were destroyed and are known only from written records. The basic issue is to establish the date and the founder of a wooden coffin covered with gilded silver plates, in which the relics of the Martyr were placed. The literature on the subject attributed the foundation of the reliquary to St. Kunegunda (1234-1292), Elizabeth of Poland (1305-1380), St. Jadwiga, Hedvig of Anjou (1374-1399) and Ladislaus the Short (1260 or 1261-1333). Thanks to the records written in 1631 by a priest Jan Wielewicki which mention the renovation of the medieval coffin, we know that it had an inscription which unequivocally pointed to the person of Elizabeth of Poland, wife of a Hungarian king Charles I Robert and mother of a king of Hungary and Poland Louis d’Anjou, as the founder. A detailed description included in the records of an inspection of the Cracow Cathedral in 1670 allows an approximate reconstruction of this work of art, which was a box-reliquary of approximate measurements: 175, 8x87, 9x43, 95 cm, closed with a ridge roof cover of unknown height. It had cast decoration. The longer sides were each interspersed with 6 and the shorter with 2 pictures with the scenes from St. Stanislaus’s life. Likenesses of 18 bishops adorned both patches of the corners and axes of the shorter sides were accentuated with buttresses. Top rims of the cover were decorated with an open-work comb (tracery). Iconographic programme cannot be reconstructed on the basis of the existing sources. After a new coffin for the remains of the Saint was funded by Sigismund III, the old one was used as a reliquary for the hand and placed in St. Peter and Paul’s chapel, which - according to tradition - originally housed the tomb. After the cathedral was looted by the Swedes in 1657, the medieval reliquary was put back in the middle of the church. Then, in the years 1669 -1671, when a new silver coffin was funded by bishop Piotr Gembicki, it was re-cast. An important element of St. Stanislaus’ altar decoration before 1512 (when Sigismund I had an imposing silver retable made) were paintings which were kept in the treasury and placed on the mensa during the liturgy. Inventories list 12 ‘plates’ in all, some of which were made of silver, some covered with silver sheet metal (frames, dresses) and some only decorated with such applique. The most imposing was a triptych with the Holy Trinity engraved on sheet metal and richly set with jewels (in the type of Throne of Mercy) and the figures of Mary with the Child and St. John the Evangelist. Among the rest the most prominent were the depictions of the Salvator and the Virgin Mary with the Child. Some were accompanied by markings indicating their Byzantine or Ruthenian origins. A painting of Mary holding little Jesus in her arms, covered with a silver plate with lilies in the background, set with jewels and pearls, in a frame decorated with Polish and Hungarian coats of arms deserves special attention. It can undoubtedly be considered as a twin work to the three paintings stored in the treasury in Aachen and one in Mariazell, funded by Louis d’Anjou. The only painting of those which used to adorn the altar of St. Stanislaus which has survived to the present is the reliquary diptych with silver appliques, set with precious stones, depicting the Virgin Mary with the Child and Vemicle. It was painted in Cracow around 1440-1450 and was funded by the cathedral curate Maciej of Grodziec.

In-situ Location of Precious Stones using Magnetic Data and Pseudo-Gravity Transforms in Parts of the Nupe Basin Area of Nigeria

In-situ location of precious stones from the mineral-rich zones in parts of Lafiagi (Sheet 203) and Pategi (Sheet 204) areas of Bida basin, central Nigeria was carried out. It was aimed at identification of the structures that usually host precious stones and then locating them in these areas. This work involved the qualitative and quantitative analysis of aeromagnetic data and pseudo-gravity transforms using the 3-D Euler Deconvolution subroutine of Oasis MontajTM software and the geological information obtained from reliable sources in the structural interpretation and isolation work. The geological features in the studied region have been connected to the presence of gemstones known to associate with them making their location logical and easier than the hit- or-miss approach adopted by the artesian miners. The results have shown that the abundance of 2D and 3D structures that are commonly associated with precious minerals as well as the persistence and continual activities of artisanal miners explain why the study area is rich in mineral deposits. Keywords: Precious stones, Mineral-rich, aeromagnetic, pseudo-gravity transforms, 3-D Euler.

A New Nephrite Occurrence in Jiangxi Province, China: Its Characterization and Gemological Significance

Nephrite is a very precious gemstone material. As a non-renewable resource, the discovery of new nephrite deposits and the study of the genesis of nephrite have aroused great interest. A new occurrence of nephrite known as Xinyu nephrite was discovered in Xinyu Country, Jiangxi province, China. Field investigations reveal that nephrite appears in a contact zone between the Mengshan composite granitic pluton and Permian carbonate rock. The carbonate rock is calcic marble that underwent diopsidization and tremolitization. Nephrites have a light yellow-green color, weak greasy luster, are slightly-translucent to translucent, and are fine-grained. Their refractive index (RI) ranges from 1.60 to 1.61, and their specific gravity (SG) value ranges from 2.90 to 2.91, falling within the range of nephrites from Xinjiang, China. Their Mohs hardness (Hm) ranges from 5.78 to 5.83. Petrographic observations and electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA) data indicated that analyzed nephrites mainly comprise tremolite, with minor diopside, calcite, quartz, and apatite. Tremolite has a ratio of Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) greater than 0.99. The tremolite grains show microscopic fibrous-felted and columnar textures. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show some tremolite fibers interwoven in different crystallographic orientations, and some arranged in parallel. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy features reveal the bands of minerals typical for nephrite composition. The petrographic characteristics and geological background of the Mengshan area indicate that nephrite formed through a replacement of calcic marble, which differs from the two known types (D-type: dolomite-related; S-type: serpentinite-related). Mineral replacements were common in nephrite, including diopside by tremolite, calcite by tremolite, and recrystallization of coarse by fine tremolite grains. The discovery of Xinyu nephrite occurrence complements the resource and provides an updated case for the in-depth study of the diversity of nephrite deposits.

Research on the Application of Manchu Embroidery Culture in Modern Design

The Manchu ethnic group holds a distinct position in Chinese history, boasting unique characteristics, religiousbeliefs, and regional cultures that have significantly influenced the development of Chinese civilization. This vibrant community has cultivated an ethnic minority culture with pronounced Manchu traits. The global call to preserve and highlight intangible cultural heritage resonates strongly, especially within China’s diverse array of such legacies. Among these cultural treasures, Manchu embroidery stands out as a precious gem within the tapestry of Chinese traditional culture. Delving into the essence of Manchu embroidery serves as the focal point of this research. This article embarks on a comprehensive journey into the manifold facets of Manchu embroidery culture. It examines avenues for its perpetuation and practical applications in contemporary life while navigating its inheritance and evolution in modern society. Integrating Manchu embroidery into contemporary design not only upholds its authentic cultural essence but also aligns harmoniously with current trends. Consequently, this fusion enables Manchu embroidery to evolve seamlessly alongside the march oftime.

AIMS TO DIGITALISE THE CIRCULATION OF PRECIOUS METALS, PRECIOUS STONES AND THEIR PRODUCTS

The need to digitalise economic sectors in today’s world is perceived as an objective reality. In the circulation of precious metals, precious stones and their products, the digitalisation process is at a fairly high level, with continuous improvement. The article analyses the progress made in achieving the goals of the implementation of the State Integrated Information System in the Sphere of Control over the Circulation of Precious Metals and Precious Stones at all stages (GIIS DMDK), which is the main project of digitalisation of the industry.

The Final Bronze/Early Iron Age in the Old Zerafshan Delta, Uzbekistan: Pilot Investigations at Kimirek-kum-1

ABSTRACT The transition between the Final Bronze and Early Iron Age remains one of the least understood periods in the archaeology of southern Central Asia. In this paper, we introduce the newly discovered site of Kimirek-kum-1 (floruit ca. 1250–1050 cal b.c.) in the old delta of the Zerafshan River in present-day Uzbekistan. Combined pedestrian survey, geomagnetic prospection, hand augering, and stratigraphic excavation, conducted between 2021 and 2023, demonstrate the site’s unique potential to improve our understanding of the Final Bronze/Early Iron Age transition and the interface between the Central Eurasian steppes to the north and the Indo-Iranian world to the south. Notably, our investigations yielded nearly 400 objects in copper alloys, lead, gold, and semi-precious stone. These findings strongly suggest that Kimirek-kum-1 represents a substantial new Final Bronze/Early Iron Age center with extensive external links. It raises critical questions about the continuity of long-distance exchanges and elite networks after the end of the Oxus civilization.