Facts About Amber Fossils

Amber is millions of years old.

People use amber fossils to create art, wall hangings, knick-knacks and jewelry. Amber is a soft and sometimes brittle material. It is also a scientific treasure. Preserved in many pieces of amber are specimens of plant, animal and insect history, millions of years old.

Definition

Although used in jewelry of all types, amber is not a stone but is fossilized resin from ancient trees. Amber takes millions of years to form.

Inclusions

Amber fossils can contain pieces or whole specimens of insects, small animals, flowers, seeds, branches and leaves. According to Amber Depot, DNA and internal tissues are preserved in many amber inclusions.

Amber Fossils vs. Rock Fossils

Rock fossils usually have the imprint of a long dead creature or plant. Amber may preserve a complete animal, from very small insects to something as large as mice, lizards and frogs.

Value

Inclusions in amber increase the value of an amber fossil. A rare color can also make an amber fossil more valuable.

Fossil Sources

Amber is found around the world. There is amber in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic, and a large resource is in the areas around the Baltic Sea. Kaliningrad, Russia is known for its amber and amber creations. The city of Kaliningrad is home to the Kaliningrad Amber Museum.

References

• Emporia State University: What is Amber?
• Amber Depot: All About Amber