Baltic Amber Insect and Plant Inclusion Specimen
Indeterminate insect and floral/plant debris inclusions cf. Diptera or Coleoptera • Body fossil (Amber inclusion), invertebrate and plant matter
Geological Period
Paleogene (Eocene epoch)
Estimated Age
33 to 38 million years old
Preservation Type
Fossilized tree resin preservation (amber inclusion) providing exceptional three-dimensional soft and hard tissue preservation
Condition Assessment
Good condition; polished exterior with clear optical windows into the resin, showing minor natural crazing typical of aged amber
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Arthropoda, Class Insecta / Kingdom Plantae
Morphological Description
Polished amber cabochons revealing trapped organic material, including a reddish-brown plant fragment and small dark arthropod inclusions with visible exoskeletons and appendages preserved in three dimensions.
Rock Matrix
Transparent to translucent fossilized tree resin (amber), polished smooth into rounded cabochon shapes
Formation & Location
Baltic Sea region, predominantly Samland peninsula in Kaliningrad, Russia, or surrounding Baltic nations (Eocene amber deposits)
Size & Dimensions
Individual amber pieces range from approximately 1 cm to 3 cm in length, typical for small polished amber trade specimens
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$30 to $100 USD depending on the specific clarity and rarity of the enclosed insects
Auction Estimate
$50 to $150 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common, widely available in the commercial fossil market, though exceptional distinct insect species can be rare
Scientific Significance
Provides pristine microscopic and macroscopic details of Eocene forest ecosystems, ancient climate data, and evolutionary history of insects and flora
Preparation Recommendations
Store away from direct UV light and extreme heat to prevent oxidation and crazing; maintain stable relative humidity; clean gently with a soft dry cloth
Notable Features
Multiple polished amber pieces displayed together, featuring distinct contrasting inclusions including a reddish vegetative fragment and dark insect remains