Since the PADIE team's 2003 discovery, Monte Viso's jadeite sources were protected within a national park—but publication backfired. Visitors now take souvenirs and working sites are being actively trashed. One particularly egregious case: someone blew up a large jadeite block (called a 'Buddha') and helicoptered away the material. These irreplaceable archaeological resources desperately need protection from modern collectors.
Modern threats to Alpine jadeite sites after publication of Petrika's research
Site mentioned
📍 Monte Viso
Key facts
- Since the PADIE team's 2003 discovery, jadeite sources in the Italian Alps have been placed in a national park
- After publication, visitors began taking souvenirs and these working sites are now being actively trashed
- A significant case occurred when someone blew up a large jadeite block (called a 'Buddha') and helicoptered away the material, which remains highly sought after
- The team advocated for control measures and respect for visitors, emphasizing the importance of not disturbing these precious archaeological resources
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