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Showing results for tags 'fluorescence'.
Found 19 results
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Fossil fluorescence: UV laser drone fossil hunting
synapsomorphy posted a topic in General Fossil Discussion
(totally new to this forum, let me know if there's a more appropriate place to post this!) Hey all! I found a video showcasing a fossil hunting method that I'm super fascinated by! It's a drone that uses the fact that many fossils fluoresce under UV light to fly around and find fossils autonomously. This seems like an absolutely fantastic way to hunt for fossils over a large area. I have experience with drones and electronics and I'm interested in making a similar drone, hopefully a bit simplified, maybe open-source and user friendly etc. If this method works well to find fossils, getting this tool into the hands of more researchers would be an awesome way to find many more fossils. So I'm looking more into just how effective this method is; particularly how often it is that a fossil is fluorescent, especially vertebrate fossils. I did find this paper that gives some good info but it is largely focused on smaller vertebrates and only from a single formation. Basically any information you have about fossil fluorescence under UV light I'd love to hear! I'm especially interested in figuring out how broad of a phenomenon this is. Do most vertebrate fossils from most formations fluoresce? Is it only smaller fossils or only some formations? The better this method is for finding fossils, the more effort I want to put into making a simple, reliable drone employing the method. I'm also interested in automating the process with machine learning down the line. I read that fossils have a typical fluorescence wavelength that is different from most other things you might find out there, which gives you a clear signal to look for. The eventual result could be: you let a drone go fly around autonomously for a couple hours, recharging it as needed, and then it automatically gives you a list of GPS coordinates to go check out and the images associated with them. (Also, if anyone wants to collaborate on this project, please let me know, whether your skills are more on the electronics/software or paleontology side!) Disclaimer: I'm very aware that drone flight is not allowed in many typical fossil bed areas, definitely won't ever be flying anything without approval.- 9 replies
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Fluorescent Meg and Otodus teeth
RhinoWater posted a topic in Is It Real? How to Recognize Fossil Fabrications
Hello I have recently purchased an UV flashlight. Under the UV light, I noticed that a couple of shark teeth are glowing fluorescent. I have two megalodon tooth and both are from Carolina; strangely only one tooth glows and the other does not. The otodus tooth fluoresce as well. Is to be noted that all three tooth are from different sellers, but have been reputable for selling genuine fossils. (However, I could very well be mistaken on the genuineness of the teeth) Suspecting a clear coat or vanish has been applied, I have proceeded to use a cotton swab soaked with acetone on both glowing tooth. But the teeth remains unchanged. Is there a reason for the fluoresence (especially on the Meg tooth - where it glows for one and not the other)? Is fluoresence on fossilized shark teeth a normal/common occurence? Is fluoresence on such a large proportion of a fossil an indication of fakery? Apologies for the many questions and, thank you and appreciate any help and advice on the matter.
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If an image of a fossil was shot outside with a high res camera, it is possible to highlight objects fluorescing by using photo adjustments. I would not use this method to publish a paper but it works in a pinch. There are two things that fluoresce a lot in fossils around the eye but i am not 100% sure what they are- can anyone identify them- I know the eye lens fluorescences a lot- is one the lens?
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VIDEO: Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale, 22.8-15 Ma)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
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
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Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
![Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](//content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD12.jpg.d83bf67372063eb831d5926845b78917.jpg)
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
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Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
![Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](//content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD11.jpg.beba6b94fbcdf45457fdf2f0e762a685.jpg)
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
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Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
![Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](//content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD10.jpg.b16c893fd545d33016434b9d845ebc6b.jpg)
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
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Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
![Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](//content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD9.jpg.cd67137068dbe9696f69bbdf834dd039.jpg)
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
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Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
![Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](//content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD8.jpg.e28946f940abf720c381a1a94eb8456e.jpg)
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
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Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
![Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](//content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD7.jpg.a2fbcc142f57e7b73aaad7443fc3703c.jpg)
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
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Chiapas Amber w/ Fossil Barnacles (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
![Chiapas Amber w/ Fossil Barnacles (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](//content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD4.jpg.6cad7aabe3639d3a05e4c6e4f6b7375f.jpg)
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
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Chiapas Amber w/ Fossil Barnacles (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
![Chiapas Amber w/ Fossil Barnacles (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](//content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD2.jpg.543e090c38f8ae259760c3dc02ac0e52.jpg)
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
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Tiger Mountain Amber (Tukwila Fm./Renton Fm. [Boundary], Middle to Late Eocene)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
![Tiger Mountain Amber (Tukwila Fm./Renton Fm. [Boundary], Middle to Late Eocene)](//content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_03/small.465122074_ScreenShot2022-03-16at6_32_45PM.png.d23ce6bb60e38cca975dc006975ef251.png)
From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities
- Subjects: Three exceptional specimens of amber, recovered from exposures on Tiger Mountain, Washington State; this is the second of two videos detailing the specimens' natural fluorescent and phosphorescent responses: longwave UV light (Convoy S2 flashlight) was used in this entry. All were prepared by hand using a diamond needle file, 240 to 3,000 grit SiC sandpaper, and chromium oxide (ZAM compound) on a Selvyt microfiber cloth. - Amber's Source Formations and Age: The amber-bearing coal contained within the the Tiger Mountain, Tukwila, and Renton Formations spans a geologic timescale ranging from Middle to Late Eocene in age (~41.3-33.9 Ma). - About Amber Phosphorescence: Phosphorescence is the noticeably-extended emission of radiation from an illuminated subject, after the source of illumination has been removed; the atoms of certain hydrocarbons within the amber, when irradiated by high intensity UV wavelengths (LED or dedicated UV light sources), achieve a higher energy or "excited" state; the rotation of atoms becomes the opposite of their rotation in their grounded "non-excited" state, allowing for a longer release of radiation (light). The light emitted in fluorescence and phosphorescence is always a longer wavelength than the source of illumination. *Regrettably, my camera could not record the full duration of the phosphorescence of these specimens, or all other specimens (Chiapas, Sumatra, Baltic, Claiborne, Dominican), for that matter; multiple tests on all three Tiger Mountain specimens showed an average response of nearly 8 seconds, after 4 seconds of sustained direct illumination. These results are comparable to that of the Chiapas amber specimen from one of my previous videos. Source: https://file.dnr.wa.gov/publications/ger_ri21_strat_eocene_king_co.pdf© Kaegen Lau
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![http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/gallery/image/55506-tiger-mountain-amber-tukwila-fmrenton-fm-boundary-middle-to-late-eocene/Tiger Mountain Amber (Tukwila Fm./Renton Fm. [Boundary], Middle to Late Eocene)](//content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_03/small.large.SAM_3200.JPG.b7fbd52dccc769c8818be74743b23872.JPG)
From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities
- Subjects: Three exceptional specimens of amber, recovered from exposures on Tiger Mountain, Washington State; this is the first of two videos detailing the specimens' natural fluorescent and phosphorescent responses: 140 lumen LED light (yellow phosphor) was used in this entry. All were prepared by hand using a diamond needle file, 240 to 3,000 grit SiC sandpaper, and chromium oxide (ZAM compound) on a Selvyt microfiber cloth. - Brief Description of Deposit: Tiger Mountain amber occurs in lignitic coal seams, mainly contained within two Geologic Formations, namely the Tukwila and Renton (along their boundary); there is also a third, the aptly-named Tiger Mountain Fm., that hosts amber-bearing coal, though not to such a degree as the former two. The Tiger Mountain Fm. (roughly 2,000 ft. in depth) underlies and is inter-bedded with the younger Tukwila Fm., while the Tukwila Fm. is overlain by the Renton Fm.: the amber-bearing coal contained within the three Formations spans a geologic timescale ranging from Middle to Late Eocene in age (~41.3-33.9 Ma). - About Amber Fluorescence: The light blue fluorescence emitted by some of this amber upon exposure to LED and sunlight, bears a remarkable resemblance in color and intensity to that of blue Dominican amber. Various aromatic hydrocarbons, naturally contained within the blue variety of amber, are responsible for this fluorescence. Blue amber is commercially mined from three major sources: Sumatra (Indonesia), the Dominican Republic, and limited production from Chiapas (Mexico) deposits. Source: https://file.dnr.wa.gov/publications/ger_ri21_strat_eocene_king_co.pdf© Kaegen Lau
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Tiger Mountain Amber (Upper-Tukwila/Lower-Renton Formations [Boundary], Middle to Late Eocene)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
![Tiger Mountain Amber (Upper-Tukwila/Lower-Renton Formations [Boundary], Middle to Late Eocene)](//content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_02/small.SAM_3076.JPG.050623f385f7e3da779a71f3d9506314.JPG)
From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities
Incredible blue fluorescence in amber from Tiger Mountain, Washington State, U.S.A. No longwave UV light has been used here; these select pieces fluoresce in the same LED light conditions as Dominican blue amber, and with a strikingly similar coloration. Commercial quantities of blue amber have been officially described to be found in the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, and Mexico (Chiapas); to my knowledge, blue amber has never been described, much less documented, from North American deposits. Total weight is 0.4g, each piece measuring only a few millimeters in length. In the fluorescent video & image, specimens were submerged in water in a borosilicate glass petri dish; also, an additional video and image of the subjects when dry. *Please note there are several condensed air bubbles on surfaces of amber and glass. Subjects: Tiger Mountain Amber (Upper-Tukwila/Lower-Renton Formation [along boundary], Middle to Late Eocene) Lighting: Quantum 140 lumen LED light (yellow phosphor) Recording: Samsung WB35F© Kaegen Lau
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Tiger Mountain Amber (Upper-Tukwila/Lower-Renton Formations [Boundary], Middle to Late Eocene)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
![Tiger Mountain Amber (Upper-Tukwila/Lower-Renton Formations [Boundary], Middle to Late Eocene)](//content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_02/small.SAM_3077.JPG.36836f16c80b938d9f6374276eecdc03.JPG)
From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities
Amber from Tiger Mountain, Washington State, U.S.A. Same subjects in separate video depicting their fluorescence. Total weight is 0.4g, each piece measuring only a few millimeters in length. Subjects: Tiger Mountain Amber (Upper-Tukwila/Lower-Renton Formation [along boundary], Middle to Late Eocene) Lighting: Quantum 140 lumen LED light (yellow phosphor) Recording: Samsung WB35F© Kaegen Lau
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Hi all! First post here, spent some time reading the tips and rules so I hope I got everything right, but if I didn't please let me know. I just got this specimen from a seller in Indonesia, who claimed it was Sumatran blue amber. The 'blue' part is skeptical, though it does seem to fluoresce a bit in direct sunlight. I've run all the amber tests I am capable of doing (the rub-and-smell test, the static test, scratch test, black light test, acetone test) and for all intents and purposes it does seem to be amber, but I noticed last night when I was playing around with the black light, the amber retains a very faint residual glow after the black light is turned off, and the glow fades rapidly. I can't seem to find any resources online about whether this is normal or not, so I figured I should ask here. The pictures below are three of the amber piece in standard room lighting, one of the residual glow, and one of the UV fluorescence (I removed it from the scale paper as the white was washing out the blue fluorescence on-camera).
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I bought a pack of dinosaur bone rubble ( Sauropod allegedly) to make up the min price on a order of rock. Polished up a bit on my flat lap and did a fluorescence scan just on the endogenous fluorescence. Turns out to glow all over the shop and makes a great test slide . The microscope tracks a laser spot across the sample and measures the fluorescence produced at whatever wavelengths you set. The first image is one frame at higher res, the field of view is about 60 microns. but I was testing the frame stitching so the second image is a tiled scan - same res. The original files are 3d too though you can't get that far into a lump of bone with visible light. Any good targets likely to give me fluorescence in the microfossil world?
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This was my second time visiting this well-known Late Carboniferous, Kasimovian stage (305-7mya) spot on the NW edge of the Illinois basin. Here are some things I found. Some large brachiopods. After splitting some rocks, came across this nice tooth. I kept both halves for careful extraction/reassembly at home, which took at least a few hours. I don't know much about shark teeth and after researching, and from what I can glean from what scarce information is available, I think it's a Holocephalia subclass, Chimaera tooth. Possibly Cochliodus sp...? It measures 2cm. Correct me if I'm wrong, as I don't know much about teeth. Another cool thing I noticed is that it fluoresces a eerie green under ultraviolet light, however my cell phone camera interprets the UV light differently than my eye. I probably have to mess around with exposure settings or something. Whatever the case, it helps bring out details. Also,, found this genal spine of Ameura sp. with a tooth fragment(dark spot, lower right). I was crossing my fingers that at least the entire cephalon would be there ,but no dice... however, it also fluoresces glow-in-the-dark green which makes it stand out from the matrix easier to photograph. Ahh, to find a complete Ameura that fluoresces.. Thanks for reading.
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![Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](http://content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD12.jpg.d83bf67372063eb831d5926845b78917.jpg)
![Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](http://content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD11.jpg.beba6b94fbcdf45457fdf2f0e762a685.jpg)
![Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](http://content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD10.jpg.b16c893fd545d33016434b9d845ebc6b.jpg)
![Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](http://content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD9.jpg.cd67137068dbe9696f69bbdf834dd039.jpg)
![Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](http://content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD8.jpg.e28946f940abf720c381a1a94eb8456e.jpg)
![Chiapas Amber (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](http://content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD7.jpg.a2fbcc142f57e7b73aaad7443fc3703c.jpg)
![Chiapas Amber w/ Fossil Barnacles (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](http://content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD4.jpg.6cad7aabe3639d3a05e4c6e4f6b7375f.jpg)
![Chiapas Amber w/ Fossil Barnacles (La Quinta Fm./Mazantic Shale [Simojovel Group], 22.8-15 Ma)](http://content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_04/small.ChiapasD2.jpg.543e090c38f8ae259760c3dc02ac0e52.jpg)
![Tiger Mountain Amber (Tukwila Fm./Renton Fm. [Boundary], Middle to Late Eocene)](http://content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_03/small.465122074_ScreenShot2022-03-16at6_32_45PM.png.d23ce6bb60e38cca975dc006975ef251.png)
![http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/gallery/image/55506-tiger-mountain-amber-tukwila-fmrenton-fm-boundary-middle-to-late-eocene/Tiger Mountain Amber (Tukwila Fm./Renton Fm. [Boundary], Middle to Late Eocene)](http://content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_03/small.large.SAM_3200.JPG.b7fbd52dccc769c8818be74743b23872.JPG)
![Tiger Mountain Amber (Upper-Tukwila/Lower-Renton Formations [Boundary], Middle to Late Eocene)](http://content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_02/small.SAM_3076.JPG.050623f385f7e3da779a71f3d9506314.JPG)
![Tiger Mountain Amber (Upper-Tukwila/Lower-Renton Formations [Boundary], Middle to Late Eocene)](http://content.invisioncic.com/e327962/monthly_2022_02/small.SAM_3077.JPG.36836f16c80b938d9f6374276eecdc03.JPG)
