Search Results (240)

Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in rice grains are major global food safety concerns. Iron (Fe) can help reduce both, but current Fe treatments suffer from poor stability, low leaf absorption, and fast soil immobilization, with unclear underlying mechanisms. To address these issues, an Fe-based metal–organic framework (MIL-88) was modified with sodium alginate (SA) to form MIL-88@SA. Its stability as a foliar inhibitor and its leaf absorption were tested, and its effects on As and Cd accumulation in rice were compared with those of soluble Fe (FeCl₃) and chelating Fe (HA + FeCl₃) in a field study on As–Cd co-contaminated rice paddies. Compared with the control, MIL-88@SA outperformed or matched the other Fe treatments. A single foliar spray during the tillering stage increased the rice yield by 19% and reduced the inorganic As and Cd content in the grains by 22.8% and 67.8%, respectively, while the other Fe treatments required two sprays. Its superior performance was attributed to better leaf affinity and thermal stability. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analyses revealed that Fe improved photosynthesis and alleviated As–Cd stress in leaves, MIL-88@SA promoted As and Cd redistribution, and Fe–Cd co-accumulation in leaf veins enhanced Cd retention in leaves. Full article

This study systematically investigates for the first time the effects of dual-site co-cultivation on spectral characteristics and trace element enrichment in marine-cultured Akoya pearls from Beihai, China. Akoya pearls were cultured over a one-year period, with the final 40-day stage designated as the terminal phase. During this period, two experimental groups of pearl oysters were established: Group Y remained in Beihai for continued local cultivation and harvest, while Group B was transferred to Weihai, Shandong Province, for terminal-stage farming under different thermal conditions. A series of comparative analyses were performed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The FTIR results revealed distinct differences between the two groups in the distribution of amide and polysaccharide functional groups, particularly around 1643 cm⁻¹ and 1100 cm⁻¹. The UV-Vis spectra of Group B displayed characteristic absorption bands at 430 nm and 460 nm, associated with the organic matrix of the nacre. Raman spectroscopy further indicated a higher abundance of organic-related vibrational features in Group B. Additionally, both XRF and LA-ICP-MS analyses consistently showed significant differences in the concentrations and distributions of trace elements, particularly copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), and zinc (Zn). The findings demonstrate that the dual-site co-cultivation mode significantly impacts both the organic composition and trace element enrichment patterns in seawater Akoya pearls. This research provides valuable references for optimizing environmental parameters in pearl cultivation processes. Full article

The Dehbid region, located in the southern part of the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (SSZ), is a significant iron oxide mining district with over 20 iron oxide deposits (IODs) and reserves of up to 50 million tons of iron oxide ores. The region features a NW–SE oriented ductile shear zone, parallel to the Zagros thrust zone, experienced significant deformation. Detailed structural studies indicate that the iron mineralization is primarily stratiform to stratabound and hosted in late Triassic to early Jurassic silicified dolomites and schists. These ore deposits consist of lenticular iron oxide orebodies and exhibit various structures and textures, including banded, laminated, folded, disseminated, and massive forms of magnetite and hematite. The Fe₂O₃ content in the mineralized layers varies from 30 to 91 wt%, whereas MnO has an average of 3.9 wt%. The trace elements are generally low, except for elevated concentrations of Cu (up to 4350 ppm) and Zn (up to 3270 ppm). Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis of magnetite reveals high concentrations of Mg, Al, Si, Mn, Ti, Cu, and Zn, with significant depletion of elements such as Ga, Ge, As, and Nb. This study refutes the hypothesis of vein-like or hydrothermal genesis, providing evidence for a sedimentary origin based on the trace element geochemistry of magnetite and LA-ICP-MS geochemical data. The Dehbid banded iron ores (BIOs) are thought to have formed under geodynamic conditions similar to those of BIOs in back-arc tectonic settings. The combination of anoxic conditions, submarine hydrothermal iron fluxes, and redox fluctuations is essential for the formation of these deposits, suggesting that similar iron–manganese deposits can form during the Phanerozoic under specific geodynamic and oceanographic conditions, particularly in tectonically active back-arc environments. Full article

A combination of microstructural, fluid inclusion, and in situ sulfur isotopic analyses of pyrite, along with major and trace element studies of the mineralization-hosting sandstone, reveals the complexity of its genesis from the Jurassic Toutunhe Formation in the Liuhuanggou sandstone-hosted uranium deposit, Southern Junggar Basin. Based on field geological investigations and the geochemical characteristics, it is concluded that the source of the ore-bearing sandstones originates from felsic igneous rocks in the Northern Tianshan and Central Tianshan regions. Through optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), three generations of pyrite were identified: framboidal pyrite, concentric overgrown pyrite, and sub-idiomorphic to idiomorphic cement pyrite. The sulfur isotopes of the pyrite were analyzed using laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS). The results indicate that each type of pyrite has distinct sulfur isotope compositions (the framboidal pyrite: −16.85‰ to +2.16‰, the concentric overgrown pyrite: −7.86‰ to +10.32‰, the sub-idiomorphic to idiomorphic cement pyrite: +9.16‰ to +16.77‰). The framboidal pyrite and the sub-idiomorphic to idiomorphic cement pyrite were formed through bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR), while the concentric overgrown pyrite was formed through thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) triggered by the upward migration of hydrocarbons. The discovery of hydrocarbon inclusions provides evidence for the involvement of deep-seated reducing fluids in uranium mineralization. Uranium mineralization occurred in two distinct stages: (1) The early stage involved the interaction of uranium-bearing fluids with reductants in the mineralization-hosting strata under the influence of groundwater dynamics, leading to initial uranium enrichment. (2) The later stage involved the upward migration of deep-seated hydrocarbons along faults, which enhanced the reducing capacity of the sandstone and resulted in further uranium enrichment and mineralization. Full article

The “yellow-skinned” Nanhong agate represents a unique variety of Nanhong agate found in northeastern Yunnan, China, and it is highly valued for its distinctive yellow exterior and clear red–yellow interface. Owing to the limited research on this variety, the present study provides the first comprehensive analysis. Field surveys and various laboratory techniques—including polarizing microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, ultraviolet–visible (UV-VIS) absorption spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, micro X-ray diffraction (µ-XRD) with Rietveld refinement, electron microprobe analysis (EPMA), and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)—were utilized to investigate its gemological, microtextural, spectroscopic, and geochemical characteristics. Field surveys identified the occurrence states of the “yellow-skinned” Nanhong agate. The laboratory results indicate that the agate primarily consists of α-quartz, with minor amounts of moganite, goethite, and hematite. The coloring mechanism observed in this study is consistent with the findings of previous studies: the external yellow coloration is due to goethite, while the internal red hue is attributed to hematite. Its unique pseudo-granular silica (Type III) structure provides a foundational basis for the later formation of the “yellow-skinned” agate variety, and geochemical data reveal the distribution patterns of elements. Based on geological surveys and experimental data, the formation of the “yellow-skinned” Nanhong agate in northeastern Yunnan can be divided into two stages: first, hydrothermal fluids filled the vesicles in the Permian Emeishan Basalt Formation (P₂β), leading to the formation of primary Nanhong agate. Subsequently, the Type III primary agate underwent weathering, erosion, transport, and deposition in the red–brown sandy mudstone of the Lower Triassic Feixianguan Formation (T₁f). The sedimentary environment in the second stage facilitated the conversion of outer hematite into goethite, resulting in the distinct “yellow-skinned” appearance with a clear red–yellow boundary. Based on the occurrence and stratigraphic relations, this study constrains the formation age of the “yellow-skinned” Nanhong agate to approximately 261.6 Ma. Full article

Mineral exploration methods are expensive and time-consuming, especially in recent times, where many near-surface deposits have been found and exploited. To overcome these challenges, new strategies must be developed. Here, we test whether the trace element chemistry of pyrrhotite changes systematically with distance from mineralization at the Sullivan deposit, British Columbia. If so, this could provide an additional tool to search for new ore bodies. Forty samples of the hanging wall, footwall, and mineralization hosting stratigraphy (host horizon) were collected from seven drill holes, both proximal and distal to the Sullivan deposit. These samples were analyzed using reflected light microscopy, an electron microprobe, and LA-ICPMS (laser ablation, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). A total of three hundred and ninety LA-ICPMS analyses were used to build machine learning classifiers (cluster analysis and random forests) to determine whether an unknown pyrrhotite sample was from the mineralized horizon and, if so, whether it was proximal or distal to the mineralization. Our study found that the trace element abundance in pyrrhotite was higher in the footwall and hanging wall compared to the host horizon, and within the host horizon, was higher distal to the mineralization. Full article

The recovery of gold in metallurgical processes is significantly influenced by the presence of refractory minerals. This study investigates the mineralogical characteristics of refractory gold in the Pituca II ore deposit, with a focus on identifying the sulfide minerals that encapsulate gold particles and understanding their impact on gold recovery rates via cyanidation leaching. To establish a theoretical basis for optimizing gold recovery, a comprehensive suite of analytical techniques including electron microprobe analysis, petrographic analysis, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and X-ray diffraction was employed to characterize the ore’s composition and mineralogical properties. The primary ore minerals identified were pyrite, galena, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite, with hessite occurring as an accessory phase. Gold was observed as fine-grained particles (<40 µm), predominantly enclosed within pyrite and galena, contributing to its refractory nature. Cyanidation tests revealed a strong correlation between particle size and leaching efficiency: material ground to D₈₀ = 170 mesh (90 μm) achieved a recovery rate of 81.2%, compared to 72.2% for material at D₈₀ = 100 mesh (150 μm). These findings elucidate the mineralogical constraints on gold recovery and underscore the necessity of appropriate particle size reduction to enhance leaching performance. The study provides practical insights and targeted recommendations for pretreatment strategies, thereby contributing to more efficient exploitation of refractory gold ores in similar geological settings. Full article

The Shuixie Cu–Co polymetallic orefield, located in western Yunnan Province (southeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau), is renowned for its Cu–Co mineralization. A recent resource reassessment identified Sb–Au and Cu–Co–Bi (Sb–Au) orebodies as genetically associated with primary Cu–Co mineralization. The mineralization characteristics and microscopic observations indicate that gold mineralization in the Sb–Au orebodies follow a pulsating fluid injection model. The model includes four pulses: (1) euhedral gold-poor pyrite (PyI₁) precipitation; (2) margin-parallel growth of gold-rich pyrite (PyI₂) on PyI₁; (3) continued growth of gold-rich pyrite (PyI₃) along PyI₂; and (4) outermost concentric gold-rich pyrite (PyI₄) formation. This study examined gold-bearing pyrite in orebodies and host rocks. In situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) analysis of pyrite and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) whole-rock trace element analysis were conducted to track the ore-forming fluid evolution. Compared with CI chondrite, pyrites from all pulses were enriched in LREEs over HREEs. The pyrite REE distribution curves exhibited right-skewed patterns, reflecting LREE enrichment. The Hf/Sm, Nb/La, and Th/La ratios were generally below 1, indicating high-field-strength element depletion. These results suggest a Cl-rich, F-poor ore-forming fluid. The pyrite trace elements showed enrichment in the chalcophile elements (e.g., Cu and Pb) and exceptionally high Bi levels compared with the continental crust. The chalcophile elements (e.g., Zn and Cd) were depleted, whereas iron-group elements (e.g., Co) were enriched and Ni was depleted. The pyrite δCe values (0.87–1.28, mean = 1.01) showed weak anomalies, indicating a reducing ore-forming environment. The δEu values of pyrite during pulses 1 to 4 ranged widely, from 0.2–3.01 (mean of 1.17), 0.27–1.39 (0.6), and 0.41–1.40 (0.96) to 0.4–1.36 (0.84), respectively, suggesting an initial temperature decline and subsequent increase in the ore-forming fluid. Significant variations were found in the Y/Ho, Zr/Hf, and Nb/Ta ratios across pulses, indicating the potential involvement of high-temperature hydrothermal fluids or late-stage alteration during ore formation. The Y/Ho ratio of pyrite overlapped most closely with that of the continental crust of China, indicating a close relationship between the ore-forming fluids and the crust. Full article

Typical greisen-type ore samples from northeastern Tasmania were investigated for their critical metal potential. The samples contain zinnwaldite (KLiFe²⁺Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(F,OH)₂), a lithium-bearing mica that is prone to excessive breakage during conventional processing, leading to the generation of very-fine-sized particles (i.e., slimes, <20 µm), eventually ending up in tailings and resulting in lithium (Li) loss. To assess whether the natural grain size of valuable minerals could be preserved, the samples were processed using electric pulse fragmentation (EPF). The results indicate that EPF preferentially fragmented along mica-rich veins, maintaining coarse grain sizes, although a lower degree of liberation was observed in fine-grained, massive samples. In addition, the critical metal distribution within zinnwaldite was examined using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) techniques. The results reveal differences in Li content between groundmass zinnwaldite and vein-hosted zinnwaldite and that the zinnwaldite contains the critical elements rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and rare earth elements (REEs: La, Ce, Pr, and Nd). Vein-hosted zinnwaldite has a higher average Li content, whereas groundmass mica contains higher concentrations of Rb, Cs, and REEs. Both mica types host inclusions of bismuth–copper–thorium–arsenic (Bi-Cu-Th-As), which are more abundant in vein-hosted mica. In some of the samples, Bi, Cu, Th, and REEs also occur along the mica cleavage planes, as well as in mineral inclusions. The Li, Rb, and Cs grades are comparable to those of European deposits, such as Cínovec and the Zinnwald Lithium Project. Full article

This study systematically analyzed the color characteristics, microscopic inclusions (including fluid and mineral inclusions), spectral properties, and chemical composition of emerald samples from Kafubu, Zambia using infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The results were then compared with research data on emeralds from Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Russia, and the United States. The result establishes a global classification framework for emerald origins based on chromophores (Cr, V, Fe), categorizing deposits into two distinct groups: low-Fe regions and high-Fe regions. For high-Fe type IA emeralds, particularly those from Zambia and Madagascar exhibiting exceptionally similar Fe and Mg concentrations, a multi-element discrimination approach was developed. Using microscopic infrared testing to magnify and analyze the characteristic peaks related to OD in the range of 2550–2800 cm⁻¹, it can be classified as HDO-dominant, and the high alkali metal element content in Zambian emeralds can be reflected by the absence of the HDO vOD absorption peak at 2685 cm⁻¹. A further in-depth analysis of the trace elements in Zambian emeralds can provide a basis for inferring the possible rich ore geology for subsequent mining and provide more effective reference data for the identification of the origin of emeralds. Full article

High-purity quartz is considered one of the world’s scarce mineral resources. During the evaluation process of high-purity quartz raw material deposits, metallurgical purification evaluation experiments are often required to assess the quality of quartz. However, these experiments are costly and time-consuming, and have other drawbacks. In addition, high-purity quartz is difficult to analyze by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) due to its extremely low impurity content, resulting in low accuracy. It is therefore essential to assess the validity of the results obtained from LA-ICP-MS analysis of quartz minerals and to establish an efficient and cost-effective method for the evaluation of high-purity quartz deposits. We selected samples from the high-purity quartz deposits at Yamansu and Taerlang in Xinjiang, which exhibit uniform cathodoluminescence (CL) characteristics. We conducted trace element analysis of quartz using four methods: nanosecond laser dot ablation, femtosecond laser dot ablation, femtosecond laser line ablation, and femtosecond laser area scanning. Combined with the results of metallurgical purification, the stability of quartz LA-ICP-MS analytical data and the proximity to the purification results are evaluated by using two methods, i.e., the comparison of casting diagrams and the construction of comprehensive stability and proximity evaluation models. The results show that the femtosecond laser line ablation has the best stability in the analysis of the elements of quartz Al, Ti, Li, and B and the highest proximity to the results of metallurgical purification, and the nanosecond laser dot ablation also has better stability and proximity, while femtosecond laser surface scanning data quality is relatively poor due to unavoidable inclusions and co-associated minerals. Geological mapping using in situ quartz trace element content can effectively delineate the potential areas of high-purity quartz, and the results of analysis and the metallurgical purification results have a high degree of proximity. Therefore, this paper recommends the use of femtosecond laser line ablation as a highly efficient exploration method for high-purity quartz deposits. Full article

U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopes, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and laser ablation (ICP-MS-LA), are reported in zircon grains from the Peixe Alkaline Suite. This unit comprises alkaline rocks such as syenites with nepheline, albite-oligoclase-biotite, and pegmatitic bodies. The zircon grain was imaged by cathodoluminescence (CL), which allowed the characterization of features within the crystal. These features comprise complex zone crosscuts, showing the existence of pulses that caused the intrusion of isotopically younger phases into the interior of the grain on a millimetric scale. The U-Pb results suggest a metamorphic event with Pb loss at 579 ± 3 Ma. They can be interpreted because of the collisional regional event of the Brasilia Orogen (Mara Rosa Orogeny). A second age grouping at 548 ± 2.5 Ma (MSWD = 8), obtained in areas with high luminescence fading laterally to oscillatory zoned domains with variations in the abundance of isotopes, is 33 Ma younger, demonstrating a rejuvenation of these areas through Pb loss. It is interpreted here as a second metamorphic event related to a collisional event (Santa Terezinha de Goiás arc). The Lu-Hf results for these areas indicate ƐHf values between −10 and −17, suggesting the existence of magmatic isotopic rework in a crustal environment. Full article

The Yidun island arc was formed in response to the Late Triassic westward subduction of the Ganzi–Litang oceanic plate, a branch of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. The Zhongdian arc, located in the south of the Yidun island arc, has relatively large number of porphyry (skarn) type Cu–Mo ± Au polymetallic deposits, the largest of which is the Pulang Cu (–Mo–Au) deposit with proven Cu reserves of 5.11 Mt, Au reserves of 113 t, and 0.17 Mt of molybdenum. However, the relationship between mineralization and the potassic alteration zone, phyllic zone, and propylitic zone of the Pulang porphyry deposit is still controversial and needs further study. Titanite (CaTiSiO₅) is a common accessory mineral in acidic, intermediate, and alkaline igneous rocks. It is widely developed in various types of metamorphic rocks, hydrothermally altered rocks, and a few sedimentary rocks. It is a dominant Mo-bearing phase in igneous rocks and contains abundant rare earth elements and high-field-strength elements. As an effective geochronometer, thermobarometer, oxybarometer, and metallogenic potential indicator mineral, titanite is ideal to reveal the magmatic–hydrothermal evolution and the mechanism of metal enrichment and precipitation. In this paper, major and trace element contents of the titanite grains from different alteration zones were obtained using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to define the changes in physicochemical conditions and the behavior of these elements during the process of hydrothermal alteration at Pulang. Titanite in the potassic alteration zone is usually shaped like an envelope. It occurs discretely or is enclosed by feldspar, with lower contents of CaO, Al, Sr, Zr and Hf; a low Nb/Ta ratio; high ∑REE + Y, U, Th, Ta, Nb, and Ga content; and high FeO/Al₂O₃ and LREE/HREE ratios. This is consistent with the characteristics of magmatic titanite from fresh quartz monzonite porphyry in Pulang and other porphyry Cu deposits. Titanite in the potassium silicate alteration zone has more negative Eu anomaly and a higher U content and Th/U ratio, indicating that the oxygen fugacity decreased during the transformation to phyllic alteration and propylitic alteration in Pulang. High oxygen fugacity is favorable for the enrichment of copper, gold, and other metallogenic elements. Therefore, the enrichment of copper is more closely related to the potassium silicate alteration. The molybdenum content of titanite in the potassium silicate alteration zone is 10²–10⁴ times that of the phyllic alteration zone and propylitic alteration zone, while the copper content is indistinctive, indicating that molybdenum was dissolved into the fluid or deposited in the form of sulfide before the medium- to low-temperature hydrothermal alteration, which may lead to the further separation and deposition of copper and molybdenum. Full article

Rare metals such as lithium and beryllium are strategic mineral resources that play a highly significant role in the national aerospace, defense, and new energy industries. The western Kunlun–Songpan–Ganzi metallogenic belt is an important rare metal metallogenic belt in China that mainly consists of granite–pegmatite-type lithium–beryllium deposits with uncommon beryllium-only deposits. In the Jiulong area on the southeastern edge of this metallogenic belt, several deposits, including the Daqianggou lithium–beryllium, Luomo beryllium, Baitai beryllium, and Shangjigong beryllium deposits, have been identified. Unlike the northern areas of Jiajika, Ke’eryin, Zawulong, and the western regions of Dahongliutan and Bailongshan, this area contains beryllium-only deposits. In this paper, we examine representative beryllium deposits in the Jiulong area, including detailed petrographic observations and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb isotope dating of cassiterite and columbite–tantalite, to define the metallogenic age and summarize the spatiotemporal characteristics of the beryllium mineralization in this area. The research results show that the Daqianggou lithium–beryllium deposit is dominated by spodumene and beryl mineralization, while the Luomo and Baitai beryllium deposits primarily feature beryl mineralization. The dating results indicate that the U-Pb ages of the cassiterite and columbite–tantalite in the Daqianggou lithium–beryllium deposit are 157.3 ± 1.7 Ma and 164.1 ± 0.8 Ma, respectively. For the Luomo beryllium deposit, the U-Pb ages of the cassiterite and columbite–tantalite are 156.1 ± 1.5 Ma and 163.3 ± 0.8 Ma, respectively. For the Baitai beryllium deposit, the U-Pb age of the columbite–tantalite is 188.8 ± 1.1 Ma. Therefore, the Jiulong area experienced two pegmatite-type rare metal metallogenic events: a beryllium–niobium–tantalum–molybdenum event at 197~189 Ma and a lithium–beryllium–niobium–tantalum–rubidium event at 164~156 Ma. Based on the reported metallogenic ages, we suggest that the western Kunlun–Songpan–Ganzi rare metal metallogenic belt experienced three rare metal metallogenic events at 210~200 Ma, 200~180 Ma, and 170~150 Ma. Regarding exploration directions, early Yanshanian beryllium mineralization predominates in the Jiulong area along the southeastern edge of the belt, and deep exploration of the early Yanshanian rare metal mineralization within this belt should be strengthened to facilitate new breakthroughs. Full article

This study sheds light on the origin and trade routes of early red coral artifacts found in Xinjiang, primarily dating to the Han and Jin dynasties. The red coral relics examined, excavated from the Shengjindian cemetery of the Western Han Dynasty in Turpan, offer critical insights into the material’s provenance and its introduction to this pivotal region along the ancient Silk Road. Advanced gemological, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses—utilizing computed tomography (CT), laser Raman spectroscopy, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)—has revealed distinctive features. These include red coloration, a waxy luster, concentric ring structures in cross-section, and calcareous composition, identifying the coral as Sardinian (Corallium rubrum), likely originating from the western Mediterranean region. The findings carry significant archaeological implications. Red coral first appears in the archaeological record in Xinjiang during the Western Han period, facilitated by the thriving Silk Road trade and the expanding influence of Buddhist culture. This study not only confirms the Mediterranean origin of these artifacts but also highlights their integration into the cultural and economic networks of ancient Xinjiang, underscoring the significance of early long-distance trade and cultural exchange. Full article