Baltic Amber Cabochon with Inclusion
Indeterminate insect inclusion (cf. Diptera or Hymenoptera based on general amber inclusions) • Body fossil in amber (fossilized tree resin inclusion)
Geological Period
Paleogene (Eocene epoch)
Estimated Age
33 to 47 million years old
Preservation Type
Exceptional three-dimensional preservation via fossilized tree resin (amber), resulting in complete entombment of organic material.
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The amber piece is expertly cut and polished into a smooth cabochon with minimal surface scratching, though the internal organic inclusion is heavily obscured by natural resin turbidity and dark flow structures.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Arthropoda, Subphylum Hexapoda, Class Insecta (potential inclusion, though highly obscured)
Morphological Description
Polished, smooth cabochon with an oval-subtriangular shape showing deep amber and dark reddish-brown to black internal flow lines, resin striae, and obscured dark organic inclusions visible beneath the highly reflective, domed surface.
Rock Matrix
Polished fossilized tree resin (amber) with no surrounding mineral rock matrix attached.
Formation & Location
Baltic Sea region, predominantly the Sambia Peninsula of Kaliningrad, Russia, and surrounding coastal areas (Blue Earth formation)
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 20 mm to 30 mm in maximum length, standard cabochon size for jewelry and display.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $80 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common. Baltic amber is recovered in large quantities commercially, though specific high-clarity specimens with well-defined scientific inclusions are increasingly valued.
Scientific Significance
Amber inclusions provide exceptional, undistorted three-dimensional snapshots of ancient Eocene forest ecosystems, offering detailed anatomical data on soft-bodied organisms rarely preserved in standard mineral sedimentary matrices.
Preparation Recommendations
Store away from direct sunlight, high heat, and UV radiation to prevent oxidation, crazing, and degradation of the amber. Clean gently with a soft, damp microfiber cloth; avoid chemical solvents like alcohol or acetone.
Notable Features
Rich, deep color variation ranging from translucent honey-orange to opaque dark brown, featuring striking natural resin flow lines and a high-gloss polished cabochon finish.