Bohemian garnets have been known as a jewellery stone for many centuries. There is still a lot of interest in them, however, the reserves in traditional locations are getting smaller. That is why search for alternative source of similar garnets in gem quality started. Shavaryn Tsaram deposit in Mongolia is considered as one of the potential sources. Pyrope samples from eight Bohemian localities of two areas (České středohoří [The Central Bohemian Uplands] and Podkrkonoší [The Giant Mountains]) and from Shavaryn Tsaram deposit in Mongolia were analysed using electron microprobe, LA-ICP-MS, ICP-OES, Mössbauer spectroscopy and x-ray powder diffraction. The data were compared with the conclusion that the Mongolian garnets from Shavaryn Tsaram deposit are so different from the Bohemian ones that it will not be possible to use them as a gem material of similar qualities. Bohemian garnet can be characterised as a red garnet with refraction index 1.747 (+/- 0.001) with dominant pyrope component of the average composition Py78Alm17Gr5 and Cr2O3 content above 1 wt.%. The data were also evaluated from two classification schemes point of view. The schemes by Schulze (2003) and Grütter (2004) are used in determining source materials and in diamond prospection. According to them source rocks of Bohemian garnets...

Light is essential component of forest ecosystem, as limited light availability in forest-floor restricts herb and tree seedlings growth. Importance of light availability for maintaining plant species diversity and community structure wasn't sufficiently evaluated in the Czech Republic. This study focus on the ecological relevance of light availability on both landscape and local scale. Relationship of light to cover, diversity and species composition was quantified in the thesis. Dominant tree species affected light availability and its spatial variability. Light availability was along the soil reaction and slope most influential factor for large-scale species diversity. Within-site light variability affected plant diversity more than soil reaction variability. Measuring light by means of hemispherical photography seems to be an appropriate for studies like this. Light availability influnence on community compostition is weak in comparison with other environmental gradients.