Baltic Amber Cabochon with Insect Inclusions
Insecta indet. (cf. Diptera or small Hymenoptera) • Body fossil preserved as an amber inclusion, invertebrate
Geological Period
Paleogene (Eocene epoch)
Estimated Age
33 to 44 million years old
Preservation Type
Three-dimensional fossil resin (amber) preservation with exceptional soft-tissue retention of enclosed organisms
Condition Assessment
Very Good. Well-polished surface with minor internal fractures typical of aged amber, inclusions are partially obscured by resin clarity and dark banding
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Arthropoda, Class Insecta, Order undetermined
Morphological Description
Oval polished cabochon displaying transparent to translucent honey-brown to dark brown resin matrix enclosing tiny fragmented anatomical structures, suspected minute arthropod appendages and particulate debris
Rock Matrix
Fossilized tree resin (amber), highly polished cabochon with no standard sedimentary rock matrix attached
Formation & Location
Baltic region (primarily Samland Peninsula in Kaliningrad, Russia, and coastal areas of Poland and Germany), Blue Earth formation
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 15 mm to 25 mm in length, standard size for polished display cabochons
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $120 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common, widely distributed throughout the Baltic amber deposits
Scientific Significance
Provides direct evidence of Eocene forest insect communities, paleoclimate, and early Cenozoic terrestrial micro-ecosystems
Preparation Recommendations
Store away from direct sunlight, UV light, and extreme heat to prevent oxidation and crazing; keep in stable low-humidity conditions with anti-fade storage boxes
Notable Features
Distinct bi-color zonation within the amber matrix, featuring a darker upper layer and a lighter translucent lower layer trapping tiny amber inclusions