Fossil Scorpion in Amber
Palaeobuthus cf. grimaldii • Body fossil, invertebrate arthropod preserved as an amber inclusion
Geological Period
Cretaceous (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian epoch)
Estimated Age
99 million years old
Preservation Type
Amber preservation (fossilization in fossilized tree resin), retaining original organic structures without mineral replacement in pristine detail
Condition Assessment
Excellent. The specimen is complete, fully articulated, with no significant occlusions, fractures, or obscured viewing angles across the main body
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Arthropoda, Subphylum Chelicerata, Class Arachnida, Order Scorpiones, Family Buthidae
Morphological Description
The specimen displays exceptional three-dimensional preservation of the ventral and dorsal anatomy. Visible features include the clearly segmented mesosoma and metasoma (tail), telson with curved stinger, paired chelae (pincers), walking legs with fine setae, and the sternites of the opisthosoma. The golden-yellow chitinous exoskeleton contrasts sharply with the deep reddish-brown amber matrix.
Rock Matrix
Transparent to translucent amber (fossilized resin) with a polished cabochon finish
Formation & Location
Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, Myanmar (Burmese amber / Noije Bum Formation)
Size & Dimensions
The inclusion measures approximately 25 mm in total length, which is average to large for Cretaceous amber scorpions
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $6,000
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $5,000
Rarity Assessment
Very Rare. While amber from this region is relatively common, large and well-preserved arachnids such as scorpions represent a tiny fraction of total inclusions
Scientific Significance
Scorpions in amber are exceptionally rare compared to insects and spiders. This specimen provides vital insights into the morphology, evolutionary history, and paleoecology of ancient arachnids during the Cretaceous period, showing that modern-looking scorpion body plans were already well-established
Preparation Recommendations
Store in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct UV light and extreme heat to prevent polymer degradation, oxidation, or crazing of the amber. Display in a custom UV-blocking acrylic case
Notable Features
Remarkable 3D clarity showcasing minute details such as sensory hairs (setae) on the walking legs, fine granulation on the carapace, and complete articulation of the metasomal segments and telson