Fossil amber, known for its ability to preserve insects and botanical inclusions, is a fascinating material for collectors. This guide will help you understand the essentials of collecting fossil amber, including an overview of amber formation, the role of amber in human cultures, the most renowned amber sources, and tips for maintaining your collection.

 

HISTORY OF AMBER

 

Amber has been valued and used by various cultures throughout history for its beauty, rarity, and inclusions, which have inspired fascination and mysticism. The cultural history of amber can be traced back thousands of years, with evidence of its use in jewelry, amulets, decorative items, and for medicinal purposes.

 

Amber has been found in prehistoric archaeological sites, dating back to the Neolithic period, around 10,000 years ago. It was used as a decorative material for beads, pendants, and other ornaments. Amber was traded over long distances, even in prehistoric times, as evidenced by the discovery of Baltic amber in archaeological sites far from its source.

 

It was also highly prized by ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. The Greeks believed that amber was the solidified tears of the sisters of Phaeton, a demigod who perished while driving the sun chariot. The name for amber in Greek, "elektron," is the origin of the word "electricity," as amber can generate a static charge when rubbed. The Romans valued amber for its beauty and rarity, importing large quantities of it from the Baltic region to make jewelry and decorative items. Amber was also used by the Egyptians in their tombs, where it was believed to protect the dead in the afterlife.

 

During the Middle Ages, amber continued to be valued for its beauty and was used in religious artifacts, such as rosaries and reliquaries. It was also believed to have medicinal properties and was used as an ingredient in various remedies. In the Renaissance period, the art of carving amber reached new heights, with intricate sculptures and decorative items being created by skilled craftsmen.

 

In modern times, amber has maintained its popularity as a gemstone for jewelry and decorative items. The discovery of its ability to preserve inclusions has led to scientific interest in amber, with researchers studying the trapped organisms to gain insight into ancient ecosystems and the evolution of species. Amber is also used in traditional medicines and folk remedies, particularly in the Baltic region.

 

Throughout history, amber has been valued for its beauty, rarity, and the mystique surrounding its inclusions. Its cultural significance can be traced back thousands of years, with amber being used in various forms across different historical periods and regions. Today, amber continues to captivate the imagination and serves as a symbol of our connection to the ancient past.

 

FORMATION OF AMBER
 

Fossil amber, or succinite, is a semi-precious gemstone that forms from the hardened, fossilized resin of ancient trees. The formation of amber occurs over millions of years through a process called polymerization, during which the tree resin undergoes a series of chemical and physical changes, ultimately transforming into a solid, translucent material. The most remarkable aspect of amber is its ability to preserve inclusions, such as insects, plant material, and other small organisms, which become trapped in the resin before it hardens. These inclusions can provide valuable information about ancient ecosystems and the evolution of various species.

 

The polymerization process that transforms resin into amber involves a series of reactions that break down the volatile components of the resin and cross-link the remaining molecules, creating a stable, solid structure. This process can be divided into several stages:

 

• Initial hardening: Over time, the resin loses volatile components, such as terpenes, through evaporation or oxidation. As a result, the resin becomes more viscous and sticky, forming a semi-solid state.
   

• Copal formation: The resin continues to undergo chemical changes, including the partial polymerization of its constituents, resulting in a substance called copal. At this stage, the copal is still susceptible to degradation and is not yet a true amber.
   

• Amber formation: As the copal becomes buried in sediment, it is subjected to increased heat and pressure, promoting further polymerization and cross-linking of molecules. Over millions of years, the copal transforms into a stable, solid amber.

 

Inclusions in amber occur when an organism becomes trapped in the sticky resin during the initial hardening stage. As the resin transforms into amber through polymerization, the inclusions are preserved in a near-perfect state, providing a unique window into the past. The study of these inclusions is called paleoentomology, a subfield of paleontology focused on studying ancient insects and their relationship to the environment.
 

 

AMBER SOURCES

 

There are several notable amber deposits found around the world, including those in Myanmar, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico (Chiapas). Each of these deposits has unique characteristics, including age, botanical sources, and types of inclusions.

 

• Myanmar (Burmese Amber): Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is home to one of the most extensive amber deposits in the world. Burmese amber is predominantly found in the Hukawng Valley, located in the northern part of the country. The deposit dates back to the Cretaceous period, around 98 to 110 million years ago. The primary botanical source of Burmese amber is thought to be a group of extinct trees belonging to the Araucariaceae family. Inclusions found in Burmese amber include insects, spiders, and even small vertebrates such as lizards and birds, providing a diverse array of information about the Cretaceous ecosystem.
   

• Dominican Republic (Dominican Amber): The Dominican Republic is another significant source of amber, specifically from the northern region near the city of Santiago. Dominican amber dates back to the Miocene epoch, approximately 15 to 25 million years ago. The primary botanical source for this amber is thought to be the extinct tree Hymenaea protera, which belonged to the Fabaceae family. Dominican amber is known for its exceptional clarity and diverse inclusions, which include insects, spiders, plants, and occasionally small vertebrates such as lizards.
   

• Mexico (Chiapas Amber): Chiapas, a state in southern Mexico, is another important source of amber. The deposits in Chiapas date back to the Miocene epoch, around 15 to 25 million years ago. The primary botanical source for Chiapas amber is also believed to be the extinct tree Hymenaea protera, similar to the Dominican Republic. Chiapas amber is known for its deep golden color and variety of inclusions, including insects, spiders, and plant material.

 

Fossil amber is a valuable natural resource that provides unique insights into ancient ecosystems. The process of polymerization plays a crucial role in the transformation of tree resin into amber, a stable, solid material capable of preserving trapped organisms for millions of years. Myanmar, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico each have significant amber deposits with unique characteristics, ages, and botanical sources, contributing to our understanding of the Earth's history and the evolution of its inhabitants.
 

 

VALUE OF AMBER

 

Inclusions are a primary factor in determining the value of amber specimens. When evaluating inclusions, consider the following:

 

• Rarity: Rare insect species, unique plant materials, or multiple inclusions within a single specimen increase the value.
   

• Preservation: Well-preserved inclusions with clear details are more desirable than damaged or deteriorated specimens.
   

• Visibility: Inclusions that are easy to see and appreciate, preferably near the surface of the amber, are more valuable.

 

​

COLLECTING & CARING FOR AMBER
 

To build a valuable and diverse amber collection, consider the following tips:

 

• Buy from reputable dealers or auctions to ensure authenticity and fair pricing.
   

• Attend gem and mineral shows to network with fellow collectors and learn from experts in the field.
   

• Invest in a quality loupe or microscope to examine and appreciate the intricate details of your specimens.

 

Finally, proper care and display of your amber collection will ensure its longevity and showcase its beauty. Keep these tips in mind:

 

• Avoid exposing amber to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or chemicals, as they can cause damage or discoloration.
   

• Clean amber with a soft, lint-free cloth. You can use jeweler’s rouge to polish your specimen if it becomes dull or scratched.
   

• Display amber specimens in a temperature-controlled environment with low humidity to prevent deterioration.
   

• Use a secure display case with UV-resistant glass to protect your collection from light damage and dust.

 

By understanding the essentials of collecting fossil amber, you can build a diverse and valuable collection that showcases the beauty and scientific significance of these natural wonders.

​

​