Fossil Scorpion in Amber
Scorpiones indet. (cf. Pseudochactidae or Buthidae) • Body fossil / Amber inclusion (Invertebrate arachnid)
Geological Period
Neogene (Miocene)
Estimated Age
15 to 25 million years
Preservation Type
Three-dimensional amber preservation (fossil resin inclusion) providing exceptional soft-tissue and cuticular detail without compression.
Condition Assessment
Excellent. Highly complete and articulated specimen with virtually no distortion, visible micro-fractures, or obscuring debris in the immediate optical path.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Arthropoda, Subphylum Chelicerata, Class Arachnida, Order Scorpiones
Morphological Description
Well-preserved specimen showing distinct anatomical structures including the prosoma, mesosoma with segmented plates, metasoma (tail) curving gracefully upward terminating in the telson (sting), pedipalps with chelae positioned anteriorly, and all four pairs of walking legs extending outward.
Rock Matrix
Transparent to translucent fossilized tree resin (amber), dark reddish-brown to honey-yellow in polished cabochon form.
Formation & Location
Chiapas amber (Mexico), Dominican amber (Dominican Republic), or Baltic amber (Europe region)
Size & Dimensions
Scorpion length approximately 25-30 mm contained within an amber cabochon measuring roughly 40 x 55 mm.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,200 - $3,000 USD
Rarity Assessment
Very Rare. While amber inclusions of insects are common, large well-articulated arachnids such as scorpions are uncommon and highly sought after by institutional researchers and high-end collectors.
Scientific Significance
Amber inclusions of scorpions are exceptionally valuable for studying ancient terrestrial ecosystems, evolutionary stasis, microclimates, and paleobiogeography, preserving delicate external morphology that is typically lost in standard sedimentary fossilization.
Preparation Recommendations
Keep away from direct, prolonged UV light and extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent amber crazing or degradation. Store in a stable, humidity-controlled environment and display using custom inert mounts.
Notable Features
Exceptionally clear three-dimensional view of the ventral or dorsal side showing fine cuticular setae, distinct segmentation of the metasoma, and complete appendages preserved in near-lifelike posture.