Decorative features of ukrainian quartz and silica-based gemstone varieties and their potential for branding

Abstract

Purpose. To reveal the potential of using mineral resources of silica-containing varieties of gemstones from Ukraine, based on the decorative features of this group, the specificity of processing technologies, as well as the corresponding marketing of gemmological information. The methods. The work used general scientific research methods – empirical and theoretical (analysis, generalization, comparison, explanation, classification). Findings. The significant potential of using silica-containing varieties of gemstones, the resources of which are known in Ukraine, is shown. The place of tumbling is revealed as one of the key stages of technological preparation of many varieties of gemstones for market sale. A comparison of schemes using rotary and vibration tumbling machines, as well as a combined scheme, is made. Using the example of "jeans jasper" of the Zavallia Graphite Plant, the economic efficiency of tumbling is calculated, and a comparison is made with foreign analogues. It is shown that tumbling is an important tool for popularizing colored stones. The tumbled form is universal for use in souvenir products, interior decoration, handmade products and educational sets. The originality. For the first time, an analysis of the technical and economic features of the production of tumbled stones from varieties of silica-containing gemstones and directions for its popularization has been performed. A classification of English-language trade names of quartz and silica-containing varieties of gemstones by key characteristics has been created. Practical implementation. Studying international experience in popularizing tumbled gemstone samples, in particular silica-containing varieties, provides entrepreneurs in this field with an effective mechanism for filling the domestic market, and in the future – for forming brands of Ukrainian colored stones on the world market. The proposed principle technological scheme of tumbled stones can be used for both silica-containing and other varieties of gemstones.