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“Krantzite” Profen Coal Mine Profen, Saxony-Anhalt State, Germany Profen Fm. (~41.3-38 Ma) Chemical Composition: C: 79.25%, H: 10.41%, O: 10.34% Total Weight: 1.5g Longest Specimen: 14mm Lighting: 140lm LED Longwave UV Entry four of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. This amber has rather unusual physical properties, despite being chemically quite near to succinite (i.e. Baltic amber), in terms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ratios: whereas succinite is rather hard, Krantzite is described as being “tender”, as well as “sectile and somewhat elastic”; Krantzite also fuses at a slightly lower temperature (225˚C, compared to 250˚C). In terms of appearance, unoxidized material generally bears a lighter coloration than succinite, and pieces are usually very small in size. Krantzite is a relatively widespread amber within Saxony-Anhalt State: it occurs in at least 12 deposits located within a roughly 6,000 square mile (9,650 sq. km.) area, all within Saxony-Anhalt. Most of the deposits are located near Nachterstedt, Nienburg, Amsdorf, Nietleben, Mücheln, and the most notable, Profen; despite the notability of the latter, there are four specific mining localities within the Mücheln area alone, each being a Krantzite occurrence. Regarding the history of the Profen Opencast Mine: exploration began in 1941, with actual coal production starting 3 years later; coal began to be mined from the lowest levels in 1951. A southern construction site for mining operations began in 1971, with conveyor bridges from both sites being connected in 1982: the bridge connection was demolished in 1990. Coal production in the Profen Opencast Mine is expected to remain operational until 2035. Sources: "The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana 1837-1868: Descriptive Mineralogy"; p. 1005; Dana 1892 “Neufunde von fossilen Harzen aus dem Mitteldeutschen Braunkohlenrevier”; p. 166 (Abb. 2); Wimmer, Krumbiegel, Cosmowska-Ceranowicz, Wagner-Wysiecka 2015 https://second.wiki/wiki/profen

“Krantzite” Profen Coal Mine Profen, Saxony-Anhalt State, Germany Profen Fm. (~41.3-38 Ma) Chemical Composition: C: 79.25%, H: 10.41%, O: 10.34% Total Weight: 1.5g Longest Specimen: 14mm Lighting: 140lm LED Longwave UV Entry four of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. This amber has rather unusual physical properties, despite being chemically quite near to succinite (i.e. Baltic amber), in terms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ratios: whereas succinite is rather hard, Krantzite is described as being “tender”, as well as “sectile and somewhat elastic”; Krantzite also fuses at a slightly lower temperature (225˚C, compared to 250˚C). In terms of appearance, unoxidized material generally bears a lighter coloration than succinite, and pieces are usually very small in size. Krantzite is a relatively widespread amber within Saxony-Anhalt State: it occurs in at least 12 deposits located within a roughly 6,000 square mile (9,650 sq. km.) area, all within Saxony-Anhalt. Most of the deposits are located near Nachterstedt, Nienburg, Amsdorf, Nietleben, Mücheln, and the most notable, Profen; despite the notability of the latter, there are four specific mining localities within the Mücheln area alone, each being a Krantzite occurrence. Regarding the history of the Profen Opencast Mine: exploration began in 1941, with actual coal production starting 3 years later; coal began to be mined from the lowest levels in 1951. A southern construction site for mining operations began in 1971, with conveyor bridges from both sites being connected in 1982: the bridge connection was demolished in 1990. Coal production in the Profen Opencast Mine is expected to remain operational until 2035. Sources: "The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana 1837-1868: Descriptive Mineralogy"; p. 1005; Dana 1892 “Neufunde von fossilen Harzen aus dem Mitteldeutschen Braunkohlenrevier”; p. 166 (Abb. 2); Wimmer, Krumbiegel, Cosmowska-Ceranowicz, Wagner-Wysiecka 2015 https://second.wiki/wiki/profen

"Bitterfeld Amber" Goitzsche Opencast Mine Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Saxony-Anhalt State, Germany Friedersdorf and Zöckeritz Sub-Horizons Bernsteinschluff Horizon Cottbus Fm. (25.5-23.5 Ma [min.]) Specimen A (Clear): 2.7g / 33x21x19mm Lighting: 140lm LED The origin of Bitterfeld amber has been the subject of much serious study and debate, especially within the last couple decades; it was originally believed to be redeposited material from the northern Baltic amber deposits, based mainly on the similarity of insect inclusions, but also due to their similarity in visual appearance and hardness. Chemical analyses of the amber by different authors, has recently shown that Bitterfeld amber came from a botanical and geographical source different from that of Baltic amber. Botanical Source: Recent chemical analyses (especially FTIR and ToF-SIMS) have shown significant differences; Baltic amber generally contains higher concentrations of succinic and communic acids, while Bitterfeld amber contains more dehydroabietic acid. Due to the presence of a specific triterpenoid (allobetulane class), Bitterfeld amber is believed to have been produced by a member of the Betulaceae Family (Birch). Age: Bitterfeld and Baltic ambers’ levels of carbon and hydrogen isotopes are extremely similar, indicating they are roughly the same age; Bitterfeld amber is found in Late Oligocene strata, which is younger than that which Baltic amber is found in: Bitterfeld amber was redeposited from nearby sources, before it was deposited into its current geological Formation (Cottbus), and was believed to have been carried northward into a delta by river action. Geological Setting: Bitterfeld amber shares a similar geological setting to Siegburgite, which it is found in association with. The upper portion of the Cottbus Fm., host to the large amber and coal reserves, was formed during the late Oligocene: the North Sea ingressed an area between two stretches of land running NE to SW, and as sea levels fell, forests developed, laying down organic matter; sea levels rose, and covered the organic matter in marine sediments. Bitterfeld amber is found in the lignite-sand, and lignite-clay layers of the upper portion of the Cottbus Fm., which amber-bearing layers are situated beneath the Bitterfeld Main Coal Seam, and above the Breitenfeld Seam: these layers constitute the “Bernsteinschluff” master horizon, which contains the upper “Friedersdorf” and lower “Zöckeritz” sub-horizons, which are particularly rich in amber. Differing levels of hydrogen isotopes in Baltic and Bitterfeld ambers indicate distinct geographical sources. There was a minimum of 3-degrees latitude difference between the northernmost Bitterfeld amber forests and the southernmost Baltic amber forests. Mining History: The Goitzsche Mine originally began coal production around 1949, and in 1955 amber was discovered; active mining of this amber began in 1975 until the Goitzsche Opencast Mine finally closed in 1991. From 1991 to 1999, the Goitzsche became subject to reclamation efforts, which involved flooding the mine with water, which was conducted from the nearby Mulde River. On 4/13/2000, the reclaimed site officially became a public recreation area. Sources: "The First Fossil Cyphophthalmid (Arachnida: Opiliones), from Bitterfeld Amber, Germany"; Jason A., Gonzalo Giribet 2003 "Geography - Coal Mining in the Goitzsche/ The geology of the Goitzsche"; Europagymnasium Walther-Rathenau-Bitterfeld Comeniusprojekt "Die Bernsteinlagerstätte Bitterfeld, nur ein Höhepunkt des Vorkommens von Bernstein (Succinit) im Tertiär Mitteldeutschlands"; Fuhrman 2005 “Bitterfeld amber is not Baltic amber: Three geochemical tests and further constraints on the botanical affinities of succinate”; Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology; Wolfe, et. al. 2015 “Chemical and spectroscopic signatures of resins from Sumatra (Sarolangun mine, Jambi Province) and Germany (Bitterfeld, Saxony-Anhalt)”; Scientific Reports, Issue 10; Drzewicz, et. al. 2020 http://www.regionalgeologie-ost.de/Abb. 23.11 Halle-Merseburger Tertiaer.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0Rr9hVIGK28Bb2pzEcWxw3PG4TGS42HaKOS99vwcT8_ivqgi9EiclEWa0

"Bitterfeld Amber" Goitzsche Opencast Mine Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Saxony-Anhalt State, Germany Friedersdorf and Zöckeritz Sub-Horizons Bernsteinschluff Horizon Cottbus Fm. (25.5-23.5 Ma [min.]) Specimen B (Run/Layered): 2.1g / 24x20x9mm Lighting: Longwave UV The origin of Bitterfeld amber has been the subject of much serious study and debate, especially within the last couple decades; it was originally believed to be redeposited material from the northern Baltic amber deposits, based mainly on the similarity of insect inclusions, but also due to their similarity in visual appearance and hardness. Chemical analyses of the amber by different authors, has recently shown that Bitterfeld amber came from a botanical and geographical source different from that of Baltic amber. Botanical Source: Recent chemical analyses (especially FTIR and ToF-SIMS) have shown significant differences; Baltic amber generally contains higher concentrations of succinic and communic acids, while Bitterfeld amber contains more dehydroabietic acid. Due to the presence of a specific triterpenoid (allobetulane class), Bitterfeld amber is believed to have been produced by a member of the Betulaceae Family (Birch). Age: Bitterfeld and Baltic ambers’ levels of carbon and hydrogen isotopes are extremely similar, indicating they are roughly the same age; Bitterfeld amber is found in Late Oligocene strata, which is younger than that which Baltic amber is found in: Bitterfeld amber was redeposited from nearby sources, before it was deposited into its current geological Formation (Cottbus), and was believed to have been carried northward into a delta by river action. Geological Setting: Bitterfeld amber shares a similar geological setting to Siegburgite, which it is found in association with. The upper portion of the Cottbus Fm., host to the large amber and coal reserves, was formed during the late Oligocene: the North Sea ingressed an area between two stretches of land running NE to SW, and as sea levels fell, forests developed, laying down organic matter; sea levels rose, and covered the organic matter in marine sediments. Bitterfeld amber is found in the lignite-sand, and lignite-clay layers of the upper portion of the Cottbus Fm., which amber-bearing layers are situated beneath the Bitterfeld Main Coal Seam, and above the Breitenfeld Seam: these layers constitute the “Bernsteinschluff” master horizon, which contains the upper “Friedersdorf” and lower “Zöckeritz” sub-horizons, which are particularly rich in amber. Differing levels of hydrogen isotopes in Baltic and Bitterfeld ambers indicate distinct geographical sources. There was a minimum of 3-degrees latitude difference between the northernmost Bitterfeld amber forests and the southernmost Baltic amber forests. Mining History: The Goitzsche Mine originally began coal production around 1949, and in 1955 amber was discovered; active mining of this amber began in 1975 until the Goitzsche Opencast Mine finally closed in 1991. From 1991 to 1999, the Goitzsche became subject to reclamation efforts, which involved flooding the mine with water, which was conducted from the nearby Mulde River. On 4/13/2000, the reclaimed site officially became a public recreation area. Sources: "The First Fossil Cyphophthalmid (Arachnida: Opiliones), from Bitterfeld Amber, Germany"; Jason A., Gonzalo Giribet 2003 "Geography - Coal Mining in the Goitzsche/ The geology of the Goitzsche"; Europagymnasium Walther-Rathenau-Bitterfeld Comeniusprojekt "Die Bernsteinlagerstätte Bitterfeld, nur ein Höhepunkt des Vorkommens von Bernstein (Succinit) im Tertiär Mitteldeutschlands"; Fuhrman 2005 “Bitterfeld amber is not Baltic amber: Three geochemical tests and further constraints on the botanical affinities of succinate”; Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology; Wolfe, et. al. 2015 “Chemical and spectroscopic signatures of resins from Sumatra (Sarolangun mine, Jambi Province) and Germany (Bitterfeld, Saxony-Anhalt)”; Scientific Reports, Issue 10; Drzewicz, et. al. 2020 http://www.regionalgeologie-ost.de/Abb. 23.11 Halle-Merseburger Tertiaer.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0Rr9hVIGK28Bb2pzEcWxw3PG4TGS42HaKOS99vwcT8_ivqgi9EiclEWa0

"Bitterfeld Amber" Goitzsche Opencast Mine Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Saxony-Anhalt State, Germany Friedersdorf and Zöckeritz Sub-Horizons Bernsteinschluff Horizon Cottbus Fm. (25.5-23.5 Ma [min.]) Specimen C (Bubbles): 3.5g / 29x22x12mm Lighting: Longwave UV The origin of Bitterfeld amber has been the subject of much serious study and debate, especially within the last couple decades; it was originally believed to be redeposited material from the northern Baltic amber deposits, based mainly on the similarity of insect inclusions, but also due to their similarity in visual appearance and hardness. Chemical analyses of the amber by different authors, has recently shown that Bitterfeld amber came from a botanical and geographical source different from that of Baltic amber. Botanical Source: Recent chemical analyses (especially FTIR and ToF-SIMS) have shown significant differences; Baltic amber generally contains higher concentrations of succinic and communic acids, while Bitterfeld amber contains more dehydroabietic acid. Due to the presence of a specific triterpenoid (allobetulane class), Bitterfeld amber is believed to have been produced by a member of the Betulaceae Family (Birch). Age: Bitterfeld and Baltic ambers’ levels of carbon and hydrogen isotopes are extremely similar, indicating they are roughly the same age; Bitterfeld amber is found in Late Oligocene strata, which is younger than that which Baltic amber is found in: Bitterfeld amber was redeposited from nearby sources, before it was deposited into its current geological Formation (Cottbus), and was believed to have been carried northward into a delta by river action. Geological Setting: Bitterfeld amber shares a similar geological setting to Siegburgite, which it is found in association with. The upper portion of the Cottbus Fm., host to the large amber and coal reserves, was formed during the late Oligocene: the North Sea ingressed an area between two stretches of land running NE to SW, and as sea levels fell, forests developed, laying down organic matter; sea levels rose, and covered the organic matter in marine sediments. Bitterfeld amber is found in the lignite-sand, and lignite-clay layers of the upper portion of the Cottbus Fm., which amber-bearing layers are situated beneath the Bitterfeld Main Coal Seam, and above the Breitenfeld Seam: these layers constitute the “Bernsteinschluff” master horizon, which contains the upper “Friedersdorf” and lower “Zöckeritz” sub-horizons, which are particularly rich in amber. Differing levels of hydrogen isotopes in Baltic and Bitterfeld ambers indicate distinct geographical sources. There was a minimum of 3-degrees latitude difference between the northernmost Bitterfeld amber forests and the southernmost Baltic amber forests. Mining History: The Goitzsche Mine originally began coal production around 1949, and in 1955 amber was discovered; active mining of this amber began in 1975 until the Goitzsche Opencast Mine finally closed in 1991. From 1991 to 1999, the Goitzsche became subject to reclamation efforts, which involved flooding the mine with water, which was conducted from the nearby Mulde River. On 4/13/2000, the reclaimed site officially became a public recreation area. Sources: "The First Fossil Cyphophthalmid (Arachnida: Opiliones), from Bitterfeld Amber, Germany"; Jason A., Gonzalo Giribet 2003 "Geography - Coal Mining in the Goitzsche/ The geology of the Goitzsche"; Europagymnasium Walther-Rathenau-Bitterfeld Comeniusprojekt "Die Bernsteinlagerstätte Bitterfeld, nur ein Höhepunkt des Vorkommens von Bernstein (Succinit) im Tertiär Mitteldeutschlands"; Fuhrman 2005 “Bitterfeld amber is not Baltic amber: Three geochemical tests and further constraints on the botanical affinities of succinate”; Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology; Wolfe, et. al. 2015 “Chemical and spectroscopic signatures of resins from Sumatra (Sarolangun mine, Jambi Province) and Germany (Bitterfeld, Saxony-Anhalt)”; Scientific Reports, Issue 10; Drzewicz, et. al. 2020 http://www.regionalgeologie-ost.de/Abb. 23.11 Halle-Merseburger Tertiaer.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0Rr9hVIGK28Bb2pzEcWxw3PG4TGS42HaKOS99vwcT8_ivqgi9EiclEWa0

"Bitterfeld Amber" Goitzsche Opencast Mine Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Saxony-Anhalt State, Germany Friedersdorf and Zöckeritz Sub-Horizons Bernsteinschluff Horizon Cottbus Fm. (25.5-23.5 Ma [min.]) Specimen B (Run/Layered): 2.1g / 24x20x9mm Lighting: 140lm LED The origin of Bitterfeld amber has been the subject of much serious study and debate, especially within the last couple decades; it was originally believed to be redeposited material from the northern Baltic amber deposits, based mainly on the similarity of insect inclusions, but also due to their similarity in visual appearance and hardness. Chemical analyses of the amber by different authors, has recently shown that Bitterfeld amber came from a botanical and geographical source different from that of Baltic amber. Botanical Source: Recent chemical analyses (especially FTIR and ToF-SIMS) have shown significant differences; Baltic amber generally contains higher concentrations of succinic and communic acids, while Bitterfeld amber contains more dehydroabietic acid. Due to the presence of a specific triterpenoid (allobetulane class), Bitterfeld amber is believed to have been produced by a member of the Betulaceae Family (Birch). Age: Bitterfeld and Baltic ambers’ levels of carbon and hydrogen isotopes are extremely similar, indicating they are roughly the same age; Bitterfeld amber is found in Late Oligocene strata, which is younger than that which Baltic amber is found in: Bitterfeld amber was redeposited from nearby sources, before it was deposited into its current geological Formation (Cottbus), and was believed to have been carried northward into a delta by river action. Geological Setting: Bitterfeld amber shares a similar geological setting to Siegburgite, which it is found in association with. The upper portion of the Cottbus Fm., host to the large amber and coal reserves, was formed during the late Oligocene: the North Sea ingressed an area between two stretches of land running NE to SW, and as sea levels fell, forests developed, laying down organic matter; sea levels rose, and covered the organic matter in marine sediments. Bitterfeld amber is found in the lignite-sand, and lignite-clay layers of the upper portion of the Cottbus Fm., which amber-bearing layers are situated beneath the Bitterfeld Main Coal Seam, and above the Breitenfeld Seam: these layers constitute the “Bernsteinschluff” master horizon, which contains the upper “Friedersdorf” and lower “Zöckeritz” sub-horizons, which are particularly rich in amber. Differing levels of hydrogen isotopes in Baltic and Bitterfeld ambers indicate distinct geographical sources. There was a minimum of 3-degrees latitude difference between the northernmost Bitterfeld amber forests and the southernmost Baltic amber forests. Mining History: The Goitzsche Mine originally began coal production around 1949, and in 1955 amber was discovered; active mining of this amber began in 1975 until the Goitzsche Opencast Mine finally closed in 1991. From 1991 to 1999, the Goitzsche became subject to reclamation efforts, which involved flooding the mine with water, which was conducted from the nearby Mulde River. On 4/13/2000, the reclaimed site officially became a public recreation area. Sources: "The First Fossil Cyphophthalmid (Arachnida: Opiliones), from Bitterfeld Amber, Germany"; Jason A., Gonzalo Giribet 2003 "Geography - Coal Mining in the Goitzsche/ The geology of the Goitzsche"; Europagymnasium Walther-Rathenau-Bitterfeld Comeniusprojekt "Die Bernsteinlagerstätte Bitterfeld, nur ein Höhepunkt des Vorkommens von Bernstein (Succinit) im Tertiär Mitteldeutschlands"; Fuhrman 2005 “Bitterfeld amber is not Baltic amber: Three geochemical tests and further constraints on the botanical affinities of succinate”; Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology; Wolfe, et. al. 2015 “Chemical and spectroscopic signatures of resins from Sumatra (Sarolangun mine, Jambi Province) and Germany (Bitterfeld, Saxony-Anhalt)”; Scientific Reports, Issue 10; Drzewicz, et. al. 2020 http://www.regionalgeologie-ost.de/Abb. 23.11 Halle-Merseburger Tertiaer.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0Rr9hVIGK28Bb2pzEcWxw3PG4TGS42HaKOS99vwcT8_ivqgi9EiclEWa0

"Bitterfeld Amber" Goitzsche Opencast Mine Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Saxony-Anhalt State, Germany Friedersdorf and Zöckeritz Sub-Horizons Bernsteinschluff Horizon Cottbus Fm. (25.5-23.5 Ma [min.]) Specimen A (Clear): 2.7g / 33x21x19mm Lighting: 140lm LED The origin of Bitterfeld amber has been the subject of much serious study and debate, especially within the last couple decades; it was originally believed to be redeposited material from the northern Baltic amber deposits, based mainly on the similarity of insect inclusions, but also due to their similarity in visual appearance and hardness. Chemical analyses of the amber by different authors, has recently shown that Bitterfeld amber came from a botanical and geographical source different from that of Baltic amber. Botanical Source: Recent chemical analyses (especially FTIR and ToF-SIMS) have shown significant differences; Baltic amber generally contains higher concentrations of succinic and communic acids, while Bitterfeld amber contains more dehydroabietic acid. Due to the presence of a specific triterpenoid (allobetulane class), Bitterfeld amber is believed to have been produced by a member of the Betulaceae Family (Birch). Age: Bitterfeld and Baltic ambers’ levels of carbon and hydrogen isotopes are extremely similar, indicating they are roughly the same age; Bitterfeld amber is found in Late Oligocene strata, which is younger than that which Baltic amber is found in: Bitterfeld amber was redeposited from nearby sources, before it was deposited into its current geological Formation (Cottbus), and was believed to have been carried northward into a delta by river action. Geological Setting: Bitterfeld amber shares a similar geological setting to Siegburgite, which it is found in association with. The upper portion of the Cottbus Fm., host to the large amber and coal reserves, was formed during the late Oligocene: the North Sea ingressed an area between two stretches of land running NE to SW, and as sea levels fell, forests developed, laying down organic matter; sea levels rose, and covered the organic matter in marine sediments. Bitterfeld amber is found in the lignite-sand, and lignite-clay layers of the upper portion of the Cottbus Fm., which amber-bearing layers are situated beneath the Bitterfeld Main Coal Seam, and above the Breitenfeld Seam: these layers constitute the “Bernsteinschluff” master horizon, which contains the upper “Friedersdorf” and lower “Zöckeritz” sub-horizons, which are particularly rich in amber. Differing levels of hydrogen isotopes in Baltic and Bitterfeld ambers indicate distinct geographical sources. There was a minimum of 3-degrees latitude difference between the northernmost Bitterfeld amber forests and the southernmost Baltic amber forests. Mining History: The Goitzsche Mine originally began coal production around 1949, and in 1955 amber was discovered; active mining of this amber began in 1975 until the Goitzsche Opencast Mine finally closed in 1991. From 1991 to 1999, the Goitzsche became subject to reclamation efforts, which involved flooding the mine with water, which was conducted from the nearby Mulde River. On 4/13/2000, the reclaimed site officially became a public recreation area. Sources: "The First Fossil Cyphophthalmid (Arachnida: Opiliones), from Bitterfeld Amber, Germany"; Jason A., Gonzalo Giribet 2003 "Geography - Coal Mining in the Goitzsche/ The geology of the Goitzsche"; Europagymnasium Walther-Rathenau-Bitterfeld Comeniusprojekt "Die Bernsteinlagerstätte Bitterfeld, nur ein Höhepunkt des Vorkommens von Bernstein (Succinit) im Tertiär Mitteldeutschlands"; Fuhrman 2005 “Bitterfeld amber is not Baltic amber: Three geochemical tests and further constraints on the botanical affinities of succinate”; Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology; Wolfe, et. al. 2015 “Chemical and spectroscopic signatures of resins from Sumatra (Sarolangun mine, Jambi Province) and Germany (Bitterfeld, Saxony-Anhalt)”; Scientific Reports, Issue 10; Drzewicz, et. al. 2020 http://www.regionalgeologie-ost.de/Abb. 23.11 Halle-Merseburger Tertiaer.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0Rr9hVIGK28Bb2pzEcWxw3PG4TGS42HaKOS99vwcT8_ivqgi9EiclEWa0

"Bitterfeld Amber" Goitzsche Opencast Mine Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Saxony-Anhalt State, Germany Friedersdorf and Zöckeritz Sub-Horizons Bernsteinschluff Horizon Cottbus Fm. (25.5-23.5 Ma [min.]) Specimen C (Bubbles): 3.5g / 29x22x12mm Lighting: 140lm LED The origin of Bitterfeld amber has been the subject of much serious study and debate, especially within the last couple decades; it was originally believed to be redeposited material from the northern Baltic amber deposits, based mainly on the similarity of insect inclusions, but also due to their similarity in visual appearance and hardness. Chemical analyses of the amber by different authors, has recently shown that Bitterfeld amber came from a botanical and geographical source different from that of Baltic amber. Botanical Source: Recent chemical analyses (especially FTIR and ToF-SIMS) have shown significant differences; Baltic amber generally contains higher concentrations of succinic and communic acids, while Bitterfeld amber contains more dehydroabietic acid. Due to the presence of a specific triterpenoid (allobetulane class), Bitterfeld amber is believed to have been produced by a member of the Betulaceae Family (Birch). Age: Bitterfeld and Baltic ambers’ levels of carbon and hydrogen isotopes are extremely similar, indicating they are roughly the same age; Bitterfeld amber is found in Late Oligocene strata, which is younger than that which Baltic amber is found in: Bitterfeld amber was redeposited from nearby sources, before it was deposited into its current geological Formation (Cottbus), and was believed to have been carried northward into a delta by river action. Geological Setting: Bitterfeld amber shares a similar geological setting to Siegburgite, which it is found in association with. The upper portion of the Cottbus Fm., host to the large amber and coal reserves, was formed during the late Oligocene: the North Sea ingressed an area between two stretches of land running NE so SW, and as sea levels fell, forests developed, laying down organic matter; sea levels rose, and covered the organic matter in marine sediments. Bitterfeld amber is found in the lignite-sand, and lignite-clay layers of the upper portion of the Cottbus Fm., which amber-bearing layers are situated beneath the Bitterfeld Main Coal Seam, and above the Breitenfeld Seam: these layers constitute the “Bernsteinschluff” master horizon, which contains the upper “Friedersdorf” and lower “Zöckeritz” sub-horizons, which are particularly rich in amber. Differing levels of hydrogen isotopes in Baltic and Bitterfeld ambers indicate distinct geographical sources. There was a minimum of 3-degrees latitude difference between the northernmost Bitterfeld amber forests and the southernmost Baltic amber forests. Mining History: The Goitzsche Mine originally began coal production around 1949, and in 1955 amber was discovered; active mining of this amber began in 1975 until the Goitzsche Opencast Mine finally closed in 1991. From 1991 to 1999,the Goitzsche became subject to reclamation efforts, which involved flooding the mine with water, which was conducted from the nearby Mulde River. On 4/13/2000, the reclaimed site officially became a public recreation area. Sources: "The First Fossil Cyphophthalmid (Arachnida: Opiliones), from Bitterfeld Amber, Germany"; Jason A., Gonzalo Giribet 2003 "Geography - Coal Mining in the Goitzsche/ The geology of the Goitzsche"; Europagymnasium Walther-Rathenau-Bitterfeld Comeniusprojekt "Die Bernsteinlagerstätte Bitterfeld, nur ein Höhepunkt des Vorkommens von Bernstein (Succinit) im Tertiär Mitteldeutschlands"; Fuhrman 2005 “Bitterfeld amber is not Baltic amber: Three geochemical tests and further constraints on the botanical affinities of succinate”; Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology; Wolfe, et. al. 2015 “Chemical and spectroscopic signatures of resins from Sumatra (Sarolangun mine, Jambi Province) and Germany (Bitterfeld, Saxony-Anhalt)”; Scientific Reports, Issue 10; Drzewicz, et. al. 2020 http://www.regionalgeologie-ost.de/Abb. 23.11 Halle-Merseburger Tertiaer.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0Rr9hVIGK28Bb2pzEcWxw3PG4TGS42HaKOS99vwcT8_ivqgi9EiclEWa0