Dominican Amber with Feather Inclusion
Aves indet. (Feather fragment) • Body fossil / Amber inclusion (Vertebrate material)
Geological Period
Neogene (Miocene to Oligocene epoch)
Estimated Age
15 to 25 million years old
Preservation Type
Three-dimensional organic preservation (amber entombment / fossilized tree resin)
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The amber is well-polished and clear, though the enclosed feather shows some partial degradation or air-filled spaces resulting in white opaque patches.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Chordata, Class Aves, Order uncertain, Family uncertain
Morphological Description
Elongated, polished golden-brown amber cabochon encapsulating a dark, delicate feather structure with visible central rachis and branching barbules, showing some white/silvery reflective areas typical of trapped air or degraded keratin within amber matrix.
Rock Matrix
Fossilized tree resin (amber), highly transparent with warm honey-to-cognac coloration and characteristic conchoidal fracture polish.
Formation & Location
Cordillera Septentrional, Dominican Republic (La Toca or Palo Quemado Formation)
Size & Dimensions
Estimated length approximately 3 to 4 cm, typical for small cabochon-cut amber specimens containing micro-inclusions.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
300 to 800 USD
Auction Estimate
250 to 600 USD
Rarity Assessment
Rare. While Dominican amber is relatively common, vertebrate inclusions like feathers represent less than 0.1 percent of all amber finds.
Scientific Significance
Vertebrate inclusions in amber, such as feathers or lizard parts, are extremely rare compared to insects. They provide critical insights into ancient plumage structure, coloration, micro-feather morphology, and tropical forest paleoecology of the Miocene Caribbean.
Preparation Recommendations
Store in a dark, temperature-controlled environment away from direct UV light and extreme heat to prevent oxidation and crazing of the amber. Clean gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth; avoid chemical solvents.
Notable Features
Contains a rare avian feather inclusion suspended within highly transparent, warm-toned amber, offering a microscopic window into ancient Neotropical forest biodiversity.