The Kornati National Park (Croatia) is considered an environment with minimal anthropogenic input. The purpose of this study was to determine the isotopic characteristics of the sediment and muscle tissues of the banded dye-murex Hexaplex trunculus. We selected locations in the park according to their estimated risk of anthropogenic pollution (large, lower, and minimal). Isotopic analyses of the sedimentary organic carbon (δ¹³C_org values) showed that the sedimentary organic matter in locations with P. oceanica meadows (Piškera, Vrulje) was enriched in ¹³C compared to that of locations with the influx of terrestrial organic matter. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values of the muscle tissues of H. trunuclus were the highest in the two locations with the highest possible anthropogenic impact (−14.47‰ and −15.66‰ for δ¹³C_org, +8.87‰ and +10.4‰ for δ¹⁵N). The high δ values may indicate the presence of the pigment indirubin (C₁₆H₁₀O₂N₂) and other derivatives that cause the purple coloration but are also elevated because of the discharge of untreated sewage from a nearby marina and village.

Garnets (19 pieces) of Late Antique S-fibulae from the archaeological site at Lajh-Kranj (Slovenia) were analysed with Raman microspectroscopy to obtain their mineral characteristic, including inclusion assemblage. Most garnets were determined as almandines Type I of pyralspite solid solution series; however, three garnets showed a higher Mg, Mn and Ca contents and were determined as almandines Type II. Most significant Raman bands were determined in the range of 169–173 cm⁻¹ (T(X²⁺)), 346–352 cm⁻¹ (R(SiO₄)), 557–559 cm⁻¹ (ν₂), 633–637 cm⁻¹ (ν₄), 917–919 cm⁻¹ (ν₁), and 1042–1045 cm⁻¹ (ν₃). Shifting of certain Raman bands toward higher frequencies was the result of an increase of the Mg content in the garnet composition, which also indicates the presence of pyrope end member in solid garnet solutions. Inclusions of apatite, quartz, mica, magnetite, ilmenite, as well as inclusions with pleochroic or radiation halo and tension fissures (zircon), were found in most of the garnets. Rutile and sillimanite were found only in garnets with the highest pyrope content. Spherical inclusions were also observed in two garnets, which may indicate the presence of melt or gas residues. The determined inclusion assemblage indicates the formation of garnets during medium- to high-grade metamorphism of amphibolite or granulite facies. According to earlier investigations of the garnets from Late Antique jewellery, the investigated garnets are believed to originate from India.