Description
- Baltic Amber with inclusion
- Age: Miocene 25 Million Years old
- Location: Northern Europe (Baltic Sea)
- Size: 5-12mm Amber
- Includes 25mm Magnifier Box
Amber inclusions are small animals that have become encased in tree resin millions of years ago. The tree resin slowly hardened through a natural process called polymerisation. This hardened material is known as Copal, which preserves the inclusion perfectly. Over many many millions of years the Copal becomes buried in the ground and slowly becomes what we know as Amber. Incredibly this process allows us to view ancient wildlife frozen in time!
This specimen is an example of Baltic amber, which originates from the forests around the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe, specifically in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and parts of Russia. This amber formed during the Eocene, approximately 44-54 million years ago. The resin is from Pine Trees, believed to be of the extinct species Pinus succinifera.
Baltic Amber is particularly common and makes up about 90% of the global supply. Unlike other types of amber found globally, Baltic amber has a higher concentration of succinic acid, sometimes referred to as succinite, which gives it unique chemical properties and makes it more valued. Baltic amber originates from what was ancient tropical forest, which were periodically flooded leading them to be deposited in layers of sediment. As the land transformed and the sea encroached upon the forests, the amber was carried away by rivers and currents, eventually settling in what is now the Baltic Sea.
We suggest using a magnifying glass to view your specimen in order to see everything they have to offer. A 25mm Magnifier box is included with this purchase.
