Fossil Scorpion in Amber
Scorpiones indet. (cf. Centromachus or similar extinct/extant tropical forest scorpion family) • Body fossil preserved as an amber inclusion (invertebrate)
Geological Period
Neogene (Miocene epoch)
Estimated Age
15 to 25 million years old
Preservation Type
Three-dimensional amber preservation (fossilized tree resin inclusion) with exceptional preservation of delicate chitinous exoskeletal details.
Condition Assessment
Excellent. Complete articulation, highly visible structural features with no missing appendages or significant damage.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Arthropoda, Subphylum Chelicerata, Class Arachnida, Order Scorpiones
Morphological Description
Complete arachnid specimen showing ventral anatomy, clearly displaying the segmented mesosoma, metasoma (tail), telson with stinger, robust pedipalps (claws), and all four pairs of walking legs radiating from the cephalothorax.
Rock Matrix
Transparent to translucent amber (fossilized resin matrix), polished gem-like cabochon with minimal internal debris or fractures.
Formation & Location
Likely Dominican Republic (Amber Formation) or similar tropical amber-producing deposits
Size & Dimensions
Specimen is approximately 3 to 4 cm in total length, well within the typical size range for small to medium forest-dwelling scorpions preserved in amber.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500
Auction Estimate
$2,000 - $4,000
Rarity Assessment
Very Rare. While amber inclusions are known, complete and well-preserved adult scorpions inside amber are highly sought-after and uncommon.
Scientific Significance
Invaluable for studying the evolutionary history, paleobiology, and paleogeography of ancient tropical forest floor ecosystems and arachnid morphology.
Preparation Recommendations
Store away from direct UV light and extreme heat fluctuations to prevent amber degradation or crazing. Handled with cotton gloves and kept in a climate-controlled display case.
Notable Features
Remarkable 3D clarity revealing the complete ventral side, including fine details of the pectines, leg joints, and the curvature of the stelson/stinger.