Reduction of batches of large quantities of amber

Abstract

Purpose. To carry out a comprehensive analysis of the problems of forensic gemological examination arising from the study of industrial and semi-industrial batches of amber in raw materials weighing more than 100 kg for further study in the laboratory, to formulate appropriate recommendations. Method. The work uses general scientific research methods - empirical and theoretical (analysis, generalization, comparison, explanation). Part of the work is based on the results of previous studies. Results. It is shown that the proposed method for reducing large lots of amber makes it possible to create a representative (analytical) sample that maximally corresponds to the composition of the entire amber batch and repeats all its properties. The proposed guidelines use the classical approach to sample quartering, adapted to the legal environment in which the forensic scientist works. The аuthenticity and reliability of the methodology is confirmed by the convergence of the obtained analytical sample with the results of the study of the original batch of amber. The correlation coefficient of the Pearson calculation ensures the objectivity of the technique. The proposed method for reducing and obtaining representative samples is focused on obtaining objective results and, which is very important, ensures the invulnerability of an expert in his professional activities when conducting a gemological examination. Scientific novelty. The algorithm for reducing large lots of amber is based on a hierarchical model, including weighing and reconciling data with accompanying documents, determining the number of fractions in the ratio in the original samples, grouping samples according to the convergence of fractions, quartering as a process of forming a representative sample, determining the number of fractions, assessing the reliability of the results obtained . The proposed methodology in the future will expand and improve the scientific and methodological base of the Expert Services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and other organizations of a related profile. Practical significance. The use of the considered method of forming a representative sample of amber from large lots weighing more than 100 kg will allow specialists to select the necessary set of methods and actions for this type of raw material and, thereby, ensure the maximum compliance of the analytical sample with the composition of the entire amber batch, fully repeating its qualitative properties.