Baltic Amber (Raw Specimen)
Succinite (fossil resin) potentially containing undetermined Arthropoda cf. Diptera or Hymenoptera inclusions • Amber Inclusion Fossil (Invertebrate/Botanical Potential)
Geological Period
Eocene Epoch (Paleogene Period)
Estimated Age
34 - 48 million years
Preservation Type
Resin Polymerization (Amorphous Fossilization)
Condition Assessment
Good (Raw/Unpolished). The specimen appears stable with minor surface weathering and typical natural fractures.
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom: Plantae; Phylum: Pinophyta; Class: Pinopsida; Order: Pinales; Family: Sciadopityaceae (likely Pinus succinifera or Sciadopitys sp.)
Morphological Description
Irregularly shaped, translucent golden-yellow nodule of fossilized resin. Exhibits conchoidal fracturing and a semi-matte to lustrous surface. Visible dark specks likely represent botanical detritus (stellate hairs) or micro-inclusions.
Rock Matrix
Glauconitic sand (commonly the 'Blue Earth' layer) or secondary alluvial deposits; specimen is currently free of matrix.
Formation & Location
Baltic Region (Kaliningrad, Russia; Lithuania; Poland), specifically from the Sambia Peninsula formations.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 3-5 cm in width; typical for small to medium-sized raw Baltic amber nodules.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $45 USD (unpolished/raw state)
Auction Estimate
$20 - $60 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common (Baltic amber is the most abundant amber in the world, though specimens with significant inclusions are rarer).
Scientific Significance
Amber provides a 'time capsule' of Eocene forest ecosystems, preserving soft-tissue anatomy of insects and delicate plant structures that are rarely preserved in sedimentary rocks.
Preparation Recommendations
Gradual polishing with fine-grit sandpaper and jeweler's rouge to increase transparency; store away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent crazing.
Notable Features
High transparency in select areas suggests potential for microscopic scientific inclusions (bio-inclusions) once professionally polished.