Fossil Scorpion in Amber
Scorpiones indet. (cf. Tityus or similar small amber scorpion taxa) • Body fossil / Amber inclusion (Invertebrate)
Geological Period
Cretaceous (or potentially Neogene depending on amber source, though Burmese/Dominican amber scorpions are common examples)
Estimated Age
99 million years (if Cretaceous Burmese amber) or 20-30 million years (if Dominican amber)
Preservation Type
Amber inclusion with exceptionally high fidelity preservation of soft tissues and cuticular structures
Condition Assessment
Excellent. The specimen is complete, highly articulated, perfectly centered within the transparent zone of the amber cabochon, and shows no significant fractures or obscuring internal bubbles near the inclusion
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Arthropoda, Subphylum Chelicerata, Class Arachnida, Order Scorpiones
Morphological Description
The specimen exhibits a fully articulated body plan preserved in three dimensions. Visible structures include the prosoma (cephalothorax), mesosoma (broad pre-abdomen), metasoma (narrow post-abdomen/tail) terminating in a curved telson (sting), paired chelae (pincers) held in a characteristic defensive posture, and walking legs extending laterally. Segmentation of the abdomen and tail is exceptionally clear.
Rock Matrix
Fossilized tree resin (amber), polished into a smooth teardrop cabochon shape, displaying deep reddish-brown and golden tones
Formation & Location
Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, Myanmar (Burmese amber) or the Cordillera Septentrional, Dominican Republic
Size & Dimensions
The amber cabochon is approximately 3 to 4 cm in length, with the enclosed scorpion measuring roughly 1.5 to 2 cm, which is standard for many fossilized forest-floor arachnids
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $4,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$2,000 - $5,000 USD
Rarity Assessment
Exceptionally Rare. While amber containing insects is common, amber containing complete, well-preserved scorpions represents a tiny fraction of total finds
Scientific Significance
Scorpions in amber are exceptionally rare compared to insects like ants or flies. They provide direct morphological and ecological data on ancient arachnid predators, microhabitats, and forest floor ecosystems millions of years ago
Preparation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight, UV light, and extreme heat to prevent polymer degradation (crazing or darkening of the amber). Store in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment, ideally displayed in a padded archival box or UV-protected custom mount
Notable Features
The specimen possesses striking visual appeal due to the high contrast between the golden-yellow scorpion and the dark reddish-brown amber matrix, combined with the complete articulation of the tail and chelae