Ostrianska I. Geological-economic and Gemological evaluation of carbonate onyx occurrences in Volyn-Podolia region

The thesis is devoted to geological, economic, and gemological appraisal of carbonate onyx in Volyn-Podillya region. This study detailed definition of the term - "carbonate onyx". This thesis is based upon a significant amount of field and laboratory studies. The detailed study of the geological structure and material composition of the carbonate onyx from Volyn-Podolia region was conducted. Studied in detail, a favorable factor for the formation of carbonate onyx occurrences is widespread neotectonic movements. Carbonate onyx is spatially localized in the rocks of the limestone series in Karagan-Konskogo and the lower part of the Sarmatian regiobus. The study defined over 25 of the most promising occurrences of carbonate onyx in Volyn-Podolia region. A reference collection of carbonate onyx from Volyn-Podolia region was assembled. There was gemological evaluation of ornamental varieties (according to color, structure, texture, transparency, gloss). A number of experimental products out of this natural stone were produced. It is estimated prospective resources of carbonate onyx occurrences. And it is proved that such raw materials can be profitably extracted. Marketing research was conducted and evaluated consumer quality of carbonate onyx was evaluated in the Ukrainian precious stone market.