Trytuznivske Granite Deposit as a prospective object for gemmological tourism

Geotourism is a relatively new branch of tourism that has been gaining popularity among various categories of travelers worldwide. It combines elements of scientific exploration, active recreation, and cultural education. One of the best-known forms of geotourism internationally, but still underdeveloped in Ukraine, is «gem hunting» – an organized activity in which tourists search for or collect valuable mineral specimens, primarily as collectibles or souvenirs. In addition to its recreational aspect, this form of tourism enhances public awareness of the geological structure of the area, promotes interest in mineralogy, and fosters a respectful attitude toward natural resources. The development of gemological tourism (gemmology being the science of gemstones) in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is particularly promising, given the presence of numerous occurrences of mineral resources suitable for such activities. In particular, the region is characterized by epidotites (unakites) associated with the granitoids of the Ukrainian Shield, jaspilites belonging to the Saksahan Suite of the Kryvyi Rih Series, as well as colored quartz occurring within pegmatites and other crystalline rocks of the Shield. In addition, other varieties of semi-precious stones are also found throughout the area. These rocks are well exposed both in abandoned quarries and in natural outcrops. Currently, the industrial extraction of such materials is economically unprofitable, which limits large-scale commercial interest. However, using these geological sites for tourism – specifically for organized «gem hunting» and specimen collecting – can yield greater economic benefits, create jobs in the tourism sector, and encourage broader public engagement with the region’s geological heritage. This approach opens up new opportunities for integrating geotourism routes into the broader tourism infrastructure of the Middle Dnipro region.