KORAZIM, Israel (VINnews) — A sixth-grade student participating in an archaeological excavation in northern Israel on Sunday discovered a rare 1,500-year-old gemstone, archaeologists said.

Alon Horavitz made the find near the end of a three-day educational dig at an ancient site in the Galilee. Experts identified the artifact as a nicolo gem, a valuable variety of agate that was commonly set into jewelry and signet rings during the Roman and Byzantine eras.

Archaeologists said such gemstones were considered luxury items and often reflected wealth and high social standing.

The excavation was part of a joint project between the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and Ariel University aimed at engaging students in archaeological research while helping preserve and study Israel’s historical heritage.

Researchers said the discovery provides additional evidence of commercial and cultural activity in the region some 1,500 years ago.