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Amber with Insect

Amber with Insect

Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:GraceKelly" title="User:GraceKelly">GraceKelly</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Mineral NameAmber with Insect
Chemical FormulaC, H, O (complex organic polymer)
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemamorphous
Lusterresinous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity1.08
Colorsyellow, orange, brown
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityBaltic Sea region (e.g., Palanga, Lithuania)
Mineral GroupOrganic mineraloid
Usesjewelry, paleontological study, collector's item
Rarityuncommon

Description

Several polished pieces of yellowish-orange, transparent to translucent amber, each containing well-preserved insect inclusions, displayed on metal stands.

Geological Context

Amber is fossilized tree resin that has undergone polymerization over millions of years, typically from ancient coniferous trees. Inclusions like insects provide invaluable insights into prehistoric ecosystems and biodiversity.

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