Amber is a beautiful substance used by humans for thousands of years. Beginning as plant resin, amber forms very slowly under tremendous heat and pressure for millions of years, eventually becoming a low-density, amorphous solid. The process of molecular polymerization also preserves traces of climate and life in nearly perfect condition.

This specimen is a polished bead of Cretaceous amber from the Hukawng Valley of Northern Myanmar (Burma). It was acquired personally by Hans Fex during a trip to the amber markets of Téngchōng, China, which sits very close to the border of Myanmar.

Please Note: Seeds, small leaves, and pollen grains are abundant in all specimens. One may also find small arthropods (i.e. insects and arachnids). This is not guaranteed, and in most cases, the creatures will be quite tiny if they are present.

All specimens ship inside our classic, glass-topped riker boxes cases. The cases measure 4 1/2" x 3 1/2". A small information card is also included. As pictured, smaller sizes will be enclosed in acrylic specimen jars.

Amber is a unique fossil substance that shines with a golden hue. For millennia it has been an object of interest to many cultures and some pieces are especially interesting due to the prehistoric creatures captured within. The story of these nuggets of time all begins millions of years ago with an insect and a tree.

When a plant is damaged by a hungry bug, it secretes a substance called resin to activate its defense system. Resin is a viscous material produced by plants, primarily from conifers, that is both sticky and smelly (some might say fragrant). This scent lures the insect towards it, where it can quickly become trapped in the resin. In essence, it is an ancient and organic flypaper.

The tackiness of resin comes from carboxylic acids which make up the bulk of its mass. Hydrocarbon compounds known as terpenes provide the fragrance. Together, these organic compounds create the perfect bug-catching defense for trees. In fact, if you've ever enjoyed the scent of a pine candle, you may be falling for the very same evolutionary trap!

When compressed and heated beneath layers of sediment for millions of years, tree resin undergoes a process of molecular polymerization. This changes the chemical structure of the resin, making it tougher and stony. The result is a low-density, amorphous solid known as amber.