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  1. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    Ethiopian Amber Wenchit River Valley North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia “Tertiary Sediments” (23-16 Ma) Lighting: 140lm LED Longwave UV (365nm) Specimens: Spec. A (Marcasite): 11.2g / 27x20x31mm (in image) Spec. B (Large Yellow): 8.0g / 41x30x20mm Spec. C (Flow Lines): 8.4g / 34x31x20mm Spec. D (Run [Large Half]): 5.3g / 24x21x17mm Spec. E (Run [Small Half]): 2.8g / 23x19x14mm Spec. F (Green Flow): 5.7g / 26x25x20mm Spec. G (Green Angular): 3.1g / 27x20x15mm Spec. H (Umber [Large Half]): 3.3g / 26x18x17mm Spec. I (Umber [Small Half]): 2.2g / 22x12x12mm *With the exception of Specimens D and E, all present slight matrix on the exterior, consisting primarily of siltstone. Specimen A has a large cluster of iron sulfide mineral concretions on its rear side, accounting for the majority of the piece's weight. Mining, Properties: While there are several other amber and copal deposits on the African continent, Ethiopian amber deposits discovered back in 2010 have proven to be the most productive: on average, at least 20kg is mined by the locals every year. The amber is hard, and ranges in color from dark brown, red, and yellow, as well as varying shades of green; the green coloration is a natural base color, although a green fluorescence can be seen in some Ethiopian material when exposed to high-intensity LED light or sunlight: similar green fluorescent response is seen in some Dominican, Mexican, and Myanmar ambers. The green base coloration seen in some Ethiopian amber was likely caused by significant pressure and heat: volcanic layers of basalt of varying thickness overlie and underlie the deposits, and acted as a natural autoclave. The size of recovered amber specimens ranges anywhere from 5-25cm in size. Geology and Age of Deposits: Amber is found in sandstone and siltstone layers along the valley walls of the Wenchit, Jemma, and Mugher rivers; the amber-bearing layers were originally attributed to the Debre Libanos Sandstone, a Cretaceous geological Formation within the Blue Nile Basin 200-500m thick: this assignment was based on local observations, a geological map, and fossil spore identification. However, due to incorrectly-dated and some then-unidentified fossil spores, as well as arthropod and plant inclusions from genera with living relatives, the amber is believed to be Early Miocene in age. The amber occurs not in the Debre Libanos Sandstone, but in Tertiary sediments comprised of siltstone and sandstone situated between basalt layers, which often display columnar jointing. These basalt flows vary in age from Early Oligocene (~30 Ma) to Quaternary (2.58 Ma to Recent). Inclusions, Botanical Source: Ethiopian amber is frequently rich in inclusions, especially bacteria and fungal spores; plant inclusions include liverworts, various angiosperms, and rare examples of mosses and lichens; arthropods are abundant, including mites, spiders, and over 13 families of hexapods (e.g., beetles, flies, ants, etc.). Comparing the spectrographic results of Ethiopian amber with Dominican and Mexican ambers, has shown that this is a Class Ic resin, most likely produced by a member of the Fabaceae family; fossil leaves and flower parts of trees belonging to the Hymenaea genus have been found in this amber, adding weight to the chemical analysis’ findings. Sources: “A review of copal and amber occurrences in Africa and their paleontological significance.”; Bulletin de la Société géologique de France, 2020, 191 (1), p. 17; Valentine Bouju, Vincent Perrichot “On the ages of flood basalt events Sur l’âge des trapps basaltiques”; Comptes Rendus Geoscience, Volume 335, Issue 1, pp. 113-140; Courtillot, Renne 2003 “Stratigraphic and structural evolution of the Blue Nile Basin, Northwestern Ethiopian Plateau”; Geological Journal Issue 44, pp. 44, 47-50; N. Gani, et. al. 2008

    © Kaegen Lau

  2. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    Chiapas Amber Simojovel, Chiapas, Mexico La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale (Simojovel Group) 22.8-15 Ma Specimen (Rough): Weight: 11.8g Dimensions: 33x31x17mm Lighting: 140lm LED Longwave UV (365nm) About the Specimen: A thick, red oxidized layer was formed over millions of years through oxidation during the amber's burial. The blue-green fluorescence is due to exposure of the amber's hydrocarbons to UV wavelengths in the LED light. There are numerous fossil barnacles and barnacle scars, coating the exterior of the specimen. History: The amber of Chiapas has a history of use that dates back to the age of the Maya Empire; amber was traded between different tribes, and sometimes sent as an annual tribute to other nations (i.e., Aztec Empire). It was frequently fashioned into ornaments and jewelry such as necklaces, as well as lip, nose, and ear plugs; living descendants of the Mayan civilization carry on this ancient tradition, and skilled artisans fashion amber into similar jewelry, and sculptures of intricate detail. Botanical Source: Through Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, as well as the presence of fossil leaves and flowers, the source trees of Chiapas amber have been identified as two extinct species belonging to the Hymenaea genus (Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae): H. mexicana and H. allendis; both trees are related to H. protera, which produced Dominican amber. The closest living relative of these three extinct genera is H. verrucosa, which is native to East Africa. Geology of Deposits: The Sierra Madre del Sur contains three amber-bearing Formations, beginning at the youngest: Balumtun Sandstone, Mazantic Shale, and La Quinta Fm.; amber is most frequently found in the Mazantic Shale and La Quinta Formations, and is associated with layers of lignite, and found in calcareous marine sandstones, siltstones, and shales. Amber specimens up to 60cm long are known to occur at the Campo La Granja mines. Sources: “Amber From Chiapas: A Gem With History”; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Voices of Mexico, No. 72; Lynneth S. Lowe 2005 “Mexican amber history”; Mayan Copal (website blog), March 29, 2018 “Early Miocene amber inclusions from Mexico reveal antiquity of mangrove-associated copepods”; Scientific Reports, Issue 6; Rony Huys, et. al. 2016 “Hymenaea mexicana sp. nov. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) from Mexican amber indicates Old World connections”; Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Issue 139, pp. 125-132; George Poinar Jr., Alex E. Brown 2002

    © Kaegen Lau

  3. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    Chiapas Amber Simojovel, Chiapas, Mexico La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale (Simojovel Group) 22.8-15 Ma Specimen (Polished): Weight: 11.4g Dimensions: 30x31x17mm Lighting: 140lm LED About the Specimen: This is the same specimen from other entries, but with polished faces that were once broken. The thick, red oxidized layer was formed over millions of years through oxidation during the amber's burial. The blue and blue-green fluorescence is due to exposure of the amber's hydrocarbons to UV wavelengths in the LED light. An excellent display of color zoning, this close-up image better shows the transition between oxidized and unoxidized layers, as well as strong fluorescence under LED light. History: The amber of Chiapas has a history of use that dates back to the age of the Maya Empire; amber was traded between different tribes, and sometimes sent as an annual tribute to other nations (i.e., Aztec Empire). It was frequently fashioned into ornaments and jewelry such as necklaces, as well as lip, nose, and ear plugs; living descendants of the Mayan civilization carry on this ancient tradition, and skilled artisans fashion amber into similar jewelry, and sculptures of intricate detail. Botanical Source: Through Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, as well as the presence of fossil leaves and flowers, the source trees of Chiapas amber have been identified as two extinct species belonging to the Hymenaea genus (Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae): H. mexicana and H. allendis; both trees are related to H. protera, which produced Dominican amber. The closest living relative of these three extinct genera is H. verrucosa, which is native to East Africa. Geology of Deposits: The Sierra Madre del Sur contains three amber-bearing Formations, beginning at the youngest: Balumtun Sandstone, Mazantic Shale, and La Quinta Fm.; amber is most frequently found in the Mazantic Shale and La Quinta Formations, and is associated with layers of lignite, and found in calcareous marine sandstones, siltstones, and shales. Amber specimens up to 60cm long are known to occur at the Campo La Granja mines. Sources: “Amber From Chiapas: A Gem With History”; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Voices of Mexico, No. 72; Lynneth S. Lowe 2005 “Mexican amber history”; Mayan Copal (website blog), March 29, 2018 “Early Miocene amber inclusions from Mexico reveal antiquity of mangrove-associated copepods”; Scientific Reports, Issue 6; Rony Huys, et. al. 2016 “Hymenaea mexicana sp. nov. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) from Mexican amber indicates Old World connections”; Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Issue 139, pp. 125-132; George Poinar Jr., Alex E. Brown 2002

    © Kaegen Lau

  4. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    Chiapas Amber Simojovel, Chiapas, Mexico La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale (Simojovel Group) 22.8-15 Ma Specimen (Polished): Weight: 11.4g Dimensions: 30x31x17mm Lighting: 140lm LED About the Specimen: This is the same specimen from other entries, but with polished faces that were once broken. The thick, red oxidized layer was formed over millions of years through oxidation during the amber's burial. The blue and blue-green fluorescence is due to exposure of the amber's hydrocarbons to UV wavelengths in the LED light. An excellent display of gradual color zoning, this image shows the transition between oxidized and unoxidized layers, as well as strong fluorescence under LED light. History: The amber of Chiapas has a history of use that dates back to the age of the Maya Empire; amber was traded between different tribes, and sometimes sent as an annual tribute to other nations (i.e., Aztec Empire). It was frequently fashioned into ornaments and jewelry such as necklaces, as well as lip, nose, and ear plugs; living descendants of the Mayan civilization carry on this ancient tradition, and skilled artisans fashion amber into similar jewelry, and sculptures of intricate detail. Botanical Source: Through Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, as well as the presence of fossil leaves and flowers, the source trees of Chiapas amber have been identified as two extinct species belonging to the Hymenaea genus (Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae): H. mexicana and H. allendis; both trees are related to H. protera, which produced Dominican amber. The closest living relative of these three extinct genera is H. verrucosa, which is native to East Africa. Geology of Deposits: The Sierra Madre del Sur contains three amber-bearing Formations, beginning at the youngest: Balumtun Sandstone, Mazantic Shale, and La Quinta Fm.; amber is most frequently found in the Mazantic Shale and La Quinta Formations, and is associated with layers of lignite, and found in calcareous marine sandstones, siltstones, and shales. Amber specimens up to 60cm long are known to occur at the Campo La Granja mines. Sources: “Amber From Chiapas: A Gem With History”; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Voices of Mexico, No. 72; Lynneth S. Lowe 2005 “Mexican amber history”; Mayan Copal (website blog), March 29, 2018 “Early Miocene amber inclusions from Mexico reveal antiquity of mangrove-associated copepods”; Scientific Reports, Issue 6; Rony Huys, et. al. 2016 “Hymenaea mexicana sp. nov. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) from Mexican amber indicates Old World connections”; Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Issue 139, pp. 125-132; George Poinar Jr., Alex E. Brown 2002

    © Kaegen Lau

  5. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    Chiapas Amber Simojovel, Chiapas, Mexico La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale (Simojovel Group) 22.8-15 Ma Specimen (Polished): Weight: 11.4g Dimensions: 30x31x17mm Lighting: 140lm LED About the Specimen: This is the same specimen from other entries, but with polished faces that were once broken. The thick, red oxidized layer was formed over millions of years through oxidation during the amber's burial. The blue and blue-green fluorescence is due to exposure of the amber's hydrocarbons to UV wavelengths in the LED light. History: The amber of Chiapas has a history of use that dates back to the age of the Maya Empire; amber was traded between different tribes, and sometimes sent as an annual tribute to other nations (i.e., Aztec Empire). It was frequently fashioned into ornaments and jewelry such as necklaces, as well as lip, nose, and ear plugs; living descendants of the Mayan civilization carry on this ancient tradition, and skilled artisans fashion amber into similar jewelry, and sculptures of intricate detail. Botanical Source: Through Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, as well as the presence of fossil leaves and flowers, the source trees of Chiapas amber have been identified as two extinct species belonging to the Hymenaea genus (Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae): H. mexicana and H. allendis; both trees are related to H. protera, which produced Dominican amber. The closest living relative of these three extinct genera is H. verrucosa, which is native to East Africa. Geology of Deposits: The Sierra Madre del Sur contains three amber-bearing Formations, beginning at the youngest: Balumtun Sandstone, Mazantic Shale, and La Quinta Fm.; amber is most frequently found in the Mazantic Shale and La Quinta Formations, and is associated with layers of lignite, and found in calcareous marine sandstones, siltstones, and shales. Amber specimens up to 60cm long are known to occur at the Campo La Granja mines. Sources: “Amber From Chiapas: A Gem With History”; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Voices of Mexico, No. 72; Lynneth S. Lowe 2005 “Mexican amber history”; Mayan Copal (website blog), March 29, 2018 “Early Miocene amber inclusions from Mexico reveal antiquity of mangrove-associated copepods”; Scientific Reports, Issue 6; Rony Huys, et. al. 2016 “Hymenaea mexicana sp. nov. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) from Mexican amber indicates Old World connections”; Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Issue 139, pp. 125-132; George Poinar Jr., Alex E. Brown 2002

    © Kaegen Lau

  6. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    Chiapas Amber Simojovel, Chiapas, Mexico La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale (Simojovel Group) 22.8-15 Ma Specimen (Polished): Weight: 11.4g Dimensions: 30x31x17mm Lighting: Longwave UV (365nm) About the Specimen: This is the same specimen from other entries, but with polished faces that were once broken. Numerous flow lines are seen in a radiating "Y" pattern on the bottom-left section of the specimen: the spaces between the lines represent individual resin layers that were produced in succession by the tree. History: The amber of Chiapas has a history of use that dates back to the age of the Maya Empire; amber was traded between different tribes, and sometimes sent as an annual tribute to other nations (i.e., Aztec Empire). It was frequently fashioned into ornaments and jewelry such as necklaces, as well as lip, nose, and ear plugs; living descendants of the Mayan civilization carry on this ancient tradition, and skilled artisans fashion amber into similar jewelry, and sculptures of intricate detail. Botanical Source: Through Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, as well as the presence of fossil leaves and flowers, the source trees of Chiapas amber have been identified as two extinct species belonging to the Hymenaea genus (Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae): H. mexicana and H. allendis; both trees are related to H. protera, which produced Dominican amber. The closest living relative of these three extinct genera is H. verrucosa, which is native to East Africa. Geology of Deposits: The Sierra Madre del Sur contains three amber-bearing Formations, beginning at the youngest: Balumtun Sandstone, Mazantic Shale, and La Quinta Fm.; amber is most frequently found in the Mazantic Shale and La Quinta Formations, and is associated with layers of lignite, and found in calcareous marine sandstones, siltstones, and shales. Amber specimens up to 60cm long are known to occur at the Campo La Granja mines. Sources: “Amber From Chiapas: A Gem With History”; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Voices of Mexico, No. 72; Lynneth S. Lowe 2005 “Mexican amber history”; Mayan Copal (website blog), March 29, 2018 “Early Miocene amber inclusions from Mexico reveal antiquity of mangrove-associated copepods”; Scientific Reports, Issue 6; Rony Huys, et. al. 2016 “Hymenaea mexicana sp. nov. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) from Mexican amber indicates Old World connections”; Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Issue 139, pp. 125-132; George Poinar Jr., Alex E. Brown 2002

    © Kaegen Lau

  7. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    Chiapas Amber Simojovel, Chiapas, Mexico La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale (Simojovel Group) 22.8-15 Ma Specimen (Polished): Weight: 11.4g Dimensions: 30x31x17mm Lighting: 140lm LED About the Specimen: This is the same specimen from other entries, but with polished faces that were once broken. The thick, red oxidized layer was formed over millions of years through oxidation during the amber's burial. Transmitted light (LED) from the rear of the specimen displays the depth of the color of the oxidized layer. Round, dark spots in the center of the specimen represent the fossilized barnacles attached to the opposite end of the specimen's rough exterior. History: The amber of Chiapas has a history of use that dates back to the age of the Maya Empire; amber was traded between different tribes, and sometimes sent as an annual tribute to other nations (i.e., Aztec Empire). It was frequently fashioned into ornaments and jewelry such as necklaces, as well as lip, nose, and ear plugs; living descendants of the Mayan civilization carry on this ancient tradition, and skilled artisans fashion amber into similar jewelry, and sculptures of intricate detail. Botanical Source: Through Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, as well as the presence of fossil leaves and flowers, the source trees of Chiapas amber have been identified as two extinct species belonging to the Hymenaea genus (Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae): H. mexicana and H. allendis; both trees are related to H. protera, which produced Dominican amber. The closest living relative of these three extinct genera is H. verrucosa, which is native to East Africa. Geology of Deposits: The Sierra Madre del Sur contains three amber-bearing Formations, beginning at the youngest: Balumtun Sandstone, Mazantic Shale, and La Quinta Fm.; amber is most frequently found in the Mazantic Shale and La Quinta Formations, and is associated with layers of lignite, and found in calcareous marine sandstones, siltstones, and shales. Amber specimens up to 60cm long are known to occur at the Campo La Granja mines. Sources: “Amber From Chiapas: A Gem With History”; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Voices of Mexico, No. 72; Lynneth S. Lowe 2005 “Mexican amber history”; Mayan Copal (website blog), March 29, 2018 “Early Miocene amber inclusions from Mexico reveal antiquity of mangrove-associated copepods”; Scientific Reports, Issue 6; Rony Huys, et. al. 2016 “Hymenaea mexicana sp. nov. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) from Mexican amber indicates Old World connections”; Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Issue 139, pp. 125-132; George Poinar Jr., Alex E. Brown 2002

    © Kaegen Lau

  8. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    Chiapas Amber Simojovel, Chiapas, Mexico La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale (Simojovel Group) 22.8-15 Ma Specimen (Polished): Weight: 11.4g Dimensions: 30x31x17mm Lighting: 140lm LED About the Specimen: This is the same specimen from other entries, but with polished faces that were once broken. The thick, red oxidized layer was formed over millions of years through oxidation during the amber's burial. The blue and blue-green fluorescence is due to exposure of the amber's hydrocarbons to UV wavelengths in the LED light; numerous flow lines are seen in a radiating "Y" pattern, and are especially fluorescent: the spaces between the lines represent individual resin layers that were produced in succession by the tree. History: The amber of Chiapas has a history of use that dates back to the age of the Maya Empire; amber was traded between different tribes, and sometimes sent as an annual tribute to other nations (i.e., Aztec Empire). It was frequently fashioned into ornaments and jewelry such as necklaces, as well as lip, nose, and ear plugs; living descendants of the Mayan civilization carry on this ancient tradition, and skilled artisans fashion amber into similar jewelry, and sculptures of intricate detail. Botanical Source: Through Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, as well as the presence of fossil leaves and flowers, the source trees of Chiapas amber have been identified as two extinct species belonging to the Hymenaea genus (Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae): H. mexicana and H. allendis; both trees are related to H. protera, which produced Dominican amber. The closest living relative of these three extinct genera is H. verrucosa, which is native to East Africa. Geology of Deposits: The Sierra Madre del Sur contains three amber-bearing Formations, beginning at the youngest: Balumtun Sandstone, Mazantic Shale, and La Quinta Fm.; amber is most frequently found in the Mazantic Shale and La Quinta Formations, and is associated with layers of lignite, and found in calcareous marine sandstones, siltstones, and shales. Amber specimens up to 60cm long are known to occur at the Campo La Granja mines. Sources: “Amber From Chiapas: A Gem With History”; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Voices of Mexico, No. 72; Lynneth S. Lowe 2005 “Mexican amber history”; Mayan Copal (website blog), March 29, 2018 “Early Miocene amber inclusions from Mexico reveal antiquity of mangrove-associated copepods”; Scientific Reports, Issue 6; Rony Huys, et. al. 2016 “Hymenaea mexicana sp. nov. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) from Mexican amber indicates Old World connections”; Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Issue 139, pp. 125-132; George Poinar Jr., Alex E. Brown 2002

    © Kaegen Lau

  9. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    Chiapas Amber Simojovel, Chiapas, Mexico La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale (Simojovel Group) 22.8-15 Ma Specimen (Rough): Weight: 11.8g Dimensions: 33x31x17mm Lighting: Longwave UV (365nm) About the Specimen: There are numerous fossil barnacles and barnacle scars, coating the exterior of the specimen. History: The amber of Chiapas has a history of use that dates back to the age of the Maya Empire; amber was traded between different tribes, and sometimes sent as an annual tribute to other nations (i.e., Aztec Empire). It was frequently fashioned into ornaments and jewelry such as necklaces, as well as lip, nose, and ear plugs; living descendants of the Mayan civilization carry on this ancient tradition, and skilled artisans fashion amber into similar jewelry, and sculptures of intricate detail. Botanical Source: Through Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, as well as the presence of fossil leaves and flowers, the source trees of Chiapas amber have been identified as two extinct species belonging to the Hymenaea genus (Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae): H. mexicana and H. allendis; both trees are related to H. protera, which produced Dominican amber. The closest living relative of these three extinct genera is H. verrucosa, which is native to East Africa. Geology of Deposits: The Sierra Madre del Sur contains three amber-bearing Formations, beginning at the youngest: Balumtun Sandstone, Mazantic Shale, and La Quinta Fm.; amber is most frequently found in the Mazantic Shale and La Quinta Formations, and is associated with layers of lignite, and found in calcareous marine sandstones, siltstones, and shales. Amber specimens up to 60cm long are known to occur at the Campo La Granja mines. Sources: “Amber From Chiapas: A Gem With History”; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Voices of Mexico, No. 72; Lynneth S. Lowe 2005 “Mexican amber history”; Mayan Copal (website blog), March 29, 2018 “Early Miocene amber inclusions from Mexico reveal antiquity of mangrove-associated copepods”; Scientific Reports, Issue 6; Rony Huys, et. al. 2016 “Hymenaea mexicana sp. nov. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) from Mexican amber indicates Old World connections”; Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Issue 139, pp. 125-132; George Poinar Jr., Alex E. Brown 2002

    © Kaegen Lau

  10. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    Chiapas Amber Simojovel, Chiapas, Mexico La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale (Simojovel Group) 22.8-15 Ma Specimen (Rough): Weight: 11.8g Dimensions: 33x31x17mm Lighting: 140lm LED About the Specimen: There are numerous fossil barnacles and barnacle scars, coating the exterior of the specimen. History: The amber of Chiapas has a history of use that dates back to the age of the Maya Empire; amber was traded between different tribes, and sometimes sent as an annual tribute to other nations (i.e., Aztec Empire). It was frequently fashioned into ornaments and jewelry such as necklaces, as well as lip, nose, and ear plugs; living descendants of the Mayan civilization carry on this ancient tradition, and skilled artisans fashion amber into similar jewelry, and sculptures of intricate detail. Botanical Source: Through Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, as well as the presence of fossil leaves and flowers, the source trees of Chiapas amber have been identified as two extinct species belonging to the Hymenaea genus (Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae): H. mexicana and H. allendis; both trees are related to H. protera, which produced Dominican amber. The closest living relative of these three extinct genera is H. verrucosa, which is native to East Africa. Geology of Deposits: The Sierra Madre del Sur contains three amber-bearing Formations, beginning at the youngest: Balumtun Sandstone, Mazantic Shale, and La Quinta Fm.; amber is most frequently found in the Mazantic Shale and La Quinta Formations, and is associated with layers of lignite, and found in calcareous marine sandstones, siltstones, and shales. Amber specimens up to 60cm long are known to occur at the Campo La Granja mines. Sources: “Amber From Chiapas: A Gem With History”; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Voices of Mexico, No. 72; Lynneth S. Lowe 2005 “Mexican amber history”; Mayan Copal (website blog), March 29, 2018 “Early Miocene amber inclusions from Mexico reveal antiquity of mangrove-associated copepods”; Scientific Reports, Issue 6; Rony Huys, et. al. 2016 “Hymenaea mexicana sp. nov. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) from Mexican amber indicates Old World connections”; Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Issue 139, pp. 125-132; George Poinar Jr., Alex E. Brown 2002

    © Kaegen Lau

  11. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    “Oise Amber” Creil, Oise Department, France Argiles à lignites du Soissonnais Lowermost Eocene (~56-53 Ma) Specimen C (Left): 0.4g / 15x12x5mm Specimen D (Right): 0.3g / 10x10x8mm Lighting: Longwave UV (365nm) Entry nine of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. French amber localities are extremely numerous and are found in 35 departments. There are at least 55 Cretaceous amber localities, contained mainly within the southern half of France; three French departments also host amber from the Carboniferous Period. Many of the Upper Paleocene to Lower Eocene amber localities were widely available in the 1800s to the 1950s, but as the lignite, potash, and alum quarries vanished, so did the amber found in them. The locality at Oise was discovered in 1996, making it a relatively recent find. It is located within the Paris Basin outside of Creil, at a place known as “Le Quesnoy” (not to be confused with the small town in NE France), and the amber is found in lignite layers situated in clayey sands. These layers were formed during a warming period that caused mass extinctions in Europe, but not necessarily among the insects; warm oceans and high temperatures created ideal conditions for a tropical environment at that time. Fossilized remains of the amber-producing tree “Aulacoxylon sparnacense” are commonly found in amber deposits near Houdancourt and Moru; the structure of the wood is reminiscent of modern trees of the subfamilies Combretaceae and Caesalpiniaceae. The Aulacoxylon genus belongs to the same subfamily (Detarioideae) as the trees which were responsible for the production of the Dominican and Mexican, and possibly Ethiopian ambers (Genus: Hymenaea). Since 1996, at least 20,000 arthropod inclusions in Oise amber have already been collected, mostly belonging to the Psocoptera (barklice) and Coleoptera (beetles). Sources: “Insects from the Early Eocene amber of Oise (France): diversity and palaeontological significance”; Denisia, Volume 0026, pp. 41-52; Nicolas, André, Denis 2009 “The French ambers: a general conspectus and the Lowermost Eocene amber deposit of Le Quesnoy in the Paris Basin”; Geologica Acta, Volume 2; A. Nel, G. De Ploëg, et. al. 2004

    © Kaegen Lau

  12. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    “Oise Amber” Creil, Oise Department, France Argiles à lignites du Soissonnais Lowermost Eocene (~56-53 Ma) Specimen C (Left): 0.4g / 15x12x5mm Specimen D (Right): 0.3g / 10x10x8mm Lighting: 140lm LED Entry nine of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. French amber localities are extremely numerous and are found in 35 departments. There are at least 55 Cretaceous amber localities, contained mainly within the southern half of France; three French departments also host amber from the Carboniferous Period. Many of the Upper Paleocene to Lower Eocene amber localities were widely available in the 1800s to the 1950s, but as the lignite, potash, and alum quarries vanished, so did the amber found in them. The locality at Oise was discovered in 1996, making it a relatively recent find. It is located within the Paris Basin outside of Creil, at a place known as “Le Quesnoy” (not to be confused with the small town in NE France), and the amber is found in lignite layers situated in clayey sands. These layers were formed during a warming period that caused mass extinctions in Europe, but not necessarily among the insects; warm oceans and high temperatures created ideal conditions for a tropical environment at that time. Fossilized remains of the amber-producing tree “Aulacoxylon sparnacense” are commonly found in amber deposits near Houdancourt and Moru; the structure of the wood is reminiscent of modern trees of the subfamilies Combretaceae and Caesalpiniaceae. The Aulacoxylon genus belongs to the same subfamily (Detarioideae) as the trees which were responsible for the production of the Dominican and Mexican, and possibly Ethiopian ambers (Genus: Hymenaea). Since 1996, at least 20,000 arthropod inclusions in Oise amber have already been collected, mostly belonging to the Psocoptera (barklice) and Coleoptera (beetles). Sources: “Insects from the Early Eocene amber of Oise (France): diversity and palaeontological significance”; Denisia, Volume 0026, pp. 41-52; Nicolas, André, Denis 2009 “The French ambers: a general conspectus and the Lowermost Eocene amber deposit of Le Quesnoy in the Paris Basin”; Geologica Acta, Volume 2; A. Nel, G. De Ploëg, et. al. 2004

    © Kaegen Lau

  13. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    “Oise Amber” Creil, Oise Department, France Argiles à lignites du Soissonnais Lowermost Eocene (~56-53 Ma) Specimen A (Upper Left): 0.5g / 14x13x12mm Specimen B (Upper Right): 0.35g / 13x9x7mm Specimen C (Lower Left): 0.4g / 15x12x5mm Specimen D (Lower Right): 0.3g / 10x10x8mm Lighting: 140lm LED Entry nine of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. French amber localities are extremely numerous and are found in 35 departments. There are at least 55 Cretaceous amber localities, contained mainly within the southern half of France; three French departments also host amber from the Carboniferous Period. Many of the Upper Paleocene to Lower Eocene amber localities were widely available in the 1800s to the 1950s, but as the lignite, potash, and alum quarries vanished, so did the amber found in them. The locality at Oise was discovered in 1996, making it a relatively recent find. It is located within the Paris Basin outside of Creil, at a place known as “Le Quesnoy” (not to be confused with the small town in NE France), and the amber is found in lignite layers situated in clayey sands. These layers were formed during a warming period that caused mass extinctions in Europe, but not necessarily among the insects; warm oceans and high temperatures created ideal conditions for a tropical environment at that time. Fossilized remains of the amber-producing tree “Aulacoxylon sparnacense” are commonly found in amber deposits near Houdancourt and Moru; the structure of the wood is reminiscent of modern trees of the subfamilies Combretaceae and Caesalpiniaceae. The Aulacoxylon genus belongs to the same subfamily (Detarioideae) as the trees which were responsible for the production of the Dominican and Mexican, and possibly Ethiopian ambers (Genus: Hymenaea). Since 1996, at least 20,000 arthropod inclusions in Oise amber have already been collected, mostly belonging to the Psocoptera (barklice) and Coleoptera (beetles). Sources: “Insects from the Early Eocene amber of Oise (France): diversity and palaeontological significance”; Denisia, Volume 0026, pp. 41-52; Nicolas, André, Denis 2009 “The French ambers: a general conspectus and the Lowermost Eocene amber deposit of Le Quesnoy in the Paris Basin”; Geologica Acta, Volume 2; A. Nel, G. De Ploëg, et. al. 2004

    © Kaegen Lau

  14. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    “Simetite” Costa dell’Ambra Pachino, Syracuse Province, Sicily, Italy Lower to Middle Miocene (~20-12 Ma) Chemical Composition: C: 79.25%, H: 10.41%, O: 10.34%, S: 0.52-2.46% Specific Gravity: 1.056-1.068 Specimen A (Left): 0.6g / 20x10x8mm Specimen B (Center): 0.2g / 10x7x4mm Specimen C (Right): 0.4g / 13x8x8mm Lighting: 140lm LED Entry six of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. This is an amber with a rich history. Amber from the island of Sicily is thought to have been known of since the end of the Iron Age (43 A.D.), but did not initially see much use in terms of trade or lapidary: Baltic amber was imported and preferred over Simetite, due to its larger size in general, and also possibly because it was more readily available; Simetite was later traded with the Phoenicians. Lapidary work with this amber dates back to the early 1800s, and was worked using lathes or was carved by hand: rings, necklaces, cameos, and even boxes were crafted using Simetite. Simetite was named after the River Simeto, which originates from the center of the eastern half of the island, flows south past Mt. Etna, and empties into the Mediterranean Sea along Sicily's east coast: historically, this amber was frequently found along Sicily’s eastern coastline below the mouth of the river, and today can still be found in small quantities throughout Sicily’s eastern and southern shores. Although no extensive research has been performed, the in-situ deposits are believed to be located within the center of the island; amber has been noted to become dislodged from clay-filled soil particularly along streams, where it is carried to the ocean. The rivers primarily responsible for the displacement and relocation of amber are: the Simeto and Dittaino, which converge before reaching the sea near Catania, and the Fiume Salso which travels south from the island’s center to the southern shores near Licata. Precious little research has been done in regards to determining its botanical origin, however recent work by Inez Dorothe van der Werf (2016) has suggested the Fabaceae as the source of Simetite. Low levels of cativic, labdanic, and succinic acids are present within Simetite; it also contains varying levels of sulfur (in turn, altering levels of C, H, and O), believed to be due to sulfate-rich groundwater in the deposits: amber is a permeable substance and has been proven to absorb, retain, and release gases (Hopfenberg et.al., 1988, cited by Poinar 1992): theoretically, this property also extends to resins during their burial. There is a completely black form, that is incredibly rich in sulfur, up to 2.46%: compared to Baltic amber, this variety has nearly six times the concentration of sulfur, and roughly half as much oxygen; the color of this amber is determined mainly by its sulfur content. Sources: "The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana 1837-1868: Descriptive Mineralogy"; p. 1005; Dana 1892 “Life in Amber”; pp. 10, 48; George O. Poinar Jr. 1992 “L’AMBRA SICILIANA Caratterizzazione del più importante materiale gemmologico italiano del Museo di Mineralogia della Sapienza”; pp. 14-17; David Leoni 2011 “The molecular composition of Sicilian amber”; Microchemical Journal 125; van der Werf, et. al. 2016

    © Kaegen Lau

  15. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    “Simetite” Costa dell’Ambra Pachino, Syracuse Province, Sicily, Italy Lower to Middle Miocene (~20-12 Ma) Chemical Composition: C: 79.25%, H: 10.41%, O: 10.34%, S: 0.52-2.46% Specific Gravity: 1.056-1.068 Specimen A (Left): 0.6g / 20x10x8mm Specimen B (Center): 0.2g / 10x7x4mm Specimen C (Right): 0.4g / 13x8x8mm Lighting: Longwave UV Entry six of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. This is an amber with a rich history. Amber from the island of Sicily is thought to have been known of since the end of the Iron Age (43 A.D.), but did not initially see much use in terms of trade or lapidary: Baltic amber was imported and preferred over Simetite, due to its larger size in general, and also possibly because it was more readily available; Simetite was later traded with the Phoenicians. Lapidary work with this amber dates back to the early 1800s, and was worked using lathes or was carved by hand: rings, necklaces, cameos, and even boxes were crafted using Simetite. Simetite was named after the River Simeto, which originates from the center of the eastern half of the island, flows south past Mt. Etna, and empties into the Mediterranean Sea along Sicily's east coast: historically, this amber was frequently found along Sicily’s eastern coastline below the mouth of the river, and today can still be found in small quantities throughout Sicily’s eastern and southern shores. Although no extensive research has been performed, the in-situ deposits are believed to be located within the center of the island; amber has been noted to become dislodged from clay-filled soil particularly along streams, where it is carried to the ocean. The rivers primarily responsible for the displacement and relocation of amber are: the Simeto and Dittaino, which converge before reaching the sea near Catania, and the Fiume Salso which travels south from the island’s center to the southern shores near Licata. Precious little research has been done in regards to determining its botanical origin, however recent work by Inez Dorothe van der Werf (2016) has suggested the Fabaceae as the source of Simetite. Low levels of cativic, labdanic, and succinic acids are present within Simetite; it also contains varying levels of sulfur (in turn, altering levels of C, H, and O), believed to be due to sulfate-rich groundwater in the deposits: amber is a permeable substance and has been proven to absorb, retain, and release gases (Hopfenberg et.al., 1988, cited by Poinar 1992): theoretically, this property also extends to resins during their burial. There is a completely black form, that is incredibly rich in sulfur, up to 2.46%: compared to Baltic amber, this variety has nearly six times the concentration of sulfur, and roughly half as much oxygen; the color of this amber is determined mainly by its sulfur content. Sources: "The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana 1837-1868: Descriptive Mineralogy"; p. 1005; Dana 1892 “Life in Amber”; pp. 10, 48; George O. Poinar Jr. 1992 “L’AMBRA SICILIANA Caratterizzazione del più importante materiale gemmologico italiano del Museo di Mineralogia della Sapienza”; pp. 14-17; David Leoni 2011 “The molecular composition of Sicilian amber”; Microchemical Journal 125; van der Werf, et. al. 2016

    © Kaegen Lau

  16. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    “Simetite” Costa dell’Ambra Pachino, Syracuse Province, Sicily, Italy Lower to Middle Miocene (~20-12 Ma) Chemical Composition: C: 79.25%, H: 10.41%, O: 10.34%, S: 0.52-2.46% Specific Gravity: 1.056-1.068 Specimen A: 0.6g / 20x10x8mm Lighting: 140lm LED Entry six of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. This is an amber with a rich history. Amber from the island of Sicily is thought to have been known of since the end of the Iron Age (43 A.D.), but did not initially see much use in terms of trade or lapidary: Baltic amber was imported and preferred over Simetite, due to its larger size in general, and also possibly because it was more readily available; Simetite was later traded with the Phoenicians. Lapidary work with this amber dates back to the early 1800s, and was worked using lathes or was carved by hand: rings, necklaces, cameos, and even boxes were crafted using Simetite. Simetite was named after the River Simeto, which originates from the center of the eastern half of the island, flows south past Mt. Etna, and empties into the Mediterranean Sea along Sicily's east coast: historically, this amber was frequently found along Sicily’s eastern coastline below the mouth of the river, and today can still be found in small quantities throughout Sicily’s eastern and southern shores. Although no extensive research has been performed, the in-situ deposits are believed to be located within the center of the island; amber has been noted to become dislodged from clay-filled soil particularly along streams, where it is carried to the ocean. The rivers primarily responsible for the displacement and relocation of amber are: the Simeto and Dittaino, which converge before reaching the sea near Catania, and the Fiume Salso which travels south from the island’s center to the southern shores near Licata. Precious little research has been done in regards to determining its botanical origin, however recent work by Inez Dorothe van der Werf (2016) has suggested the Fabaceae as the source of Simetite. Low levels of cativic, labdanic, and succinic acids are present within Simetite; it also contains varying levels of sulfur (in turn, altering levels of C, H, and O), believed to be due to sulfate-rich groundwater in the deposits: amber is a permeable substance and has been proven to absorb, retain, and release gases (Hopfenberg et.al., 1988, cited by Poinar 1992): theoretically, this property also extends to resins during their burial. There is a completely black form, that is incredibly rich in sulfur, up to 2.46%: compared to Baltic amber, this variety has nearly six times the concentration of sulfur, and roughly half as much oxygen; the color of this amber is determined mainly by its sulfur content. Sources: "The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana 1837-1868: Descriptive Mineralogy"; p. 1005; Dana 1892 “Life in Amber”; pp. 10, 48; George O. Poinar Jr. 1992 “L’AMBRA SICILIANA Caratterizzazione del più importante materiale gemmologico italiano del Museo di Mineralogia della Sapienza”; pp. 14-17; David Leoni 2011 “The molecular composition of Sicilian amber”; Microchemical Journal 125; van der Werf, et. al. 2016

    © Kaegen Lau

  17. From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities

    “Simetite” Costa dell’Ambra Pachino, Syracuse Province, Sicily, Italy Lower to Middle Miocene (~20-12 Ma) Chemical Composition: C: 79.25%, H: 10.41%, O: 10.34%, S: 0.52-2.46% Specific Gravity: 1.056-1.068 Specimen C: 0.4g / 13x8x8mm Lighting: 140lm LED Entry six of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. This is an amber with a rich history. Amber from the island of Sicily is thought to have been known of since the end of the Iron Age (43 A.D.), but did not initially see much use in terms of trade or lapidary: Baltic amber was imported and preferred over Simetite, due to its larger size in general, and also possibly because it was more readily available; Simetite was later traded with the Phoenicians. Lapidary work with this amber dates back to the early 1800s, and was worked using lathes or was carved by hand: rings, necklaces, cameos, and even boxes were crafted using Simetite. Simetite was named after the River Simeto, which originates from the center of the eastern half of the island, flows south past Mt. Etna, and empties into the Mediterranean Sea along Sicily's east coast: historically, this amber was frequently found along Sicily’s eastern coastline below the mouth of the river, and today can still be found in small quantities throughout Sicily’s eastern and southern shores. Although no extensive research has been performed, the in-situ deposits are believed to be located within the center of the island; amber has been noted to become dislodged from clay-filled soil particularly along streams, where it is carried to the ocean. The rivers primarily responsible for the displacement and relocation of amber are: the Simeto and Dittaino, which converge before reaching the sea near Catania, and the Fiume Salso which travels south from the island’s center to the southern shores near Licata. Precious little research has been done in regards to determining its botanical origin, however recent work by Inez Dorothe van der Werf (2016) has suggested the Fabaceae as the source of Simetite. Low levels of cativic, labdanic, and succinic acids are present within Simetite; it also contains varying levels of sulfur (in turn, altering levels of C, H, and O), believed to be due to sulfate-rich groundwater in the deposits: amber is a permeable substance and has been proven to absorb, retain, and release gases (Hopfenberg et.al., 1988, cited by Poinar 1992): theoretically, this property also extends to resins during their burial. There is a completely black form, that is incredibly rich in sulfur, up to 2.46%: compared to Baltic amber, this variety has nearly six times the concentration of sulfur, and roughly half as much oxygen; the color of this amber is determined mainly by its sulfur content. Sources: "The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana 1837-1868: Descriptive Mineralogy"; p. 1005; Dana 1892 “Life in Amber”; pp. 10, 48; George O. Poinar Jr. 1992 “L’AMBRA SICILIANA Caratterizzazione del più importante materiale gemmologico italiano del Museo di Mineralogia della Sapienza”; pp. 14-17; David Leoni 2011 “The molecular composition of Sicilian amber”; Microchemical Journal 125; van der Werf, et. al. 2016

    © Kaegen Lau

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