Baltic Amber Nodule with Organic Inclusion
Indeterminate arthropod inclusion cf. Insecta • Body fossil in amber (fossilized tree resin inclusion)
Geological Period
Paleogene (Eocene epoch)
Estimated Age
33 to 48 million years
Preservation Type
Fossilized tree resin (amber) providing exceptional three-dimensional soft-tissue preservation via entrapment
Condition Assessment
Good, raw unpolished nodule with natural exterior crust, stable internal amber visible through fracture windows
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Arthropoda, Class Insecta (or related resin-trapped organism)
Morphological Description
Small, irregular chunk of translucent to transparent amber showing rich brownish-orange hues with a weathered, grayish cortex on top. Internal structures show trapped organic content and internal fracturing typical of aged fossil resin.
Rock Matrix
Glauconitic sand and dark earth typical of amber-bearing secondary deposits
Formation & Location
Blue Earth Formation, Sambia Peninsula, Kaliningrad Region, Russia (Baltic region)
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 2 to 3 cm in maximum dimension, standard for small raw amber collectors' rough pieces
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $60 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $50 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common to Uncommon, depending on the specific clarity and presence of macro-inclusions
Scientific Significance
Crucial for reconstructing Eocene forest ecosystems, ancient climate, and insect evolution through exceptionally preserved soft anatomy
Preparation Recommendations
Gentle mechanical cleaning of the exterior matrix, optional professional grinding and polishing to reveal internal inclusions, store away from direct sunlight and extreme heat in stable humidity
Notable Features
Natural weathering crust contrasting with the warm, honey-brown transparent core displaying internal inclusions and light refraction