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Showing results for tags 'amber'.
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From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities
La Toca Mine Cordillera Septentrional Santiago Province, Dominican Republic La Toca Fm. (Mamey Group) 20.43-13.65 Ma Specimen: 7.7g / 51x21x12mm Equipment: Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus BelOMO 10x Triplet Loupe Quantum 140lm LED Penlight Ventral view, 1.5mm body length; same individual as seen in related image. Contained within same amber piece as contains the Leptomyrmex ants, formicine ant, spider, nematoceran flies, twig, and enhydros.© Kaegen Lau
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From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities
La Toca Mine Cordillera Septentrional Santiago Province, Dominican Republic La Toca Fm. (Mamey Group) 20.43-13.65 Ma Specimen: 7.7g / 51x21x12mm Equipment: Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus BelOMO 10x Triplet Loupe Quantum 140lm LED Penlight Lateral view, 1.5mm body length; same individual as seen in related image. Contained within same amber piece as contains the Leptomyrmex ants, formicine ant, spider, nematoceran flies, twig, and enhydros.© Kaegen Lau
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Leptomyrmex neotropicus (Dominican Amber)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities
La Toca Mine Cordillera Septentrional Santiago Province, Dominican Republic La Toca Fm. (Mamey Group) 20.43-13.65 Ma Specimen: 7.7g / 51x21x12mm Equipment: Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus BelOMO 10x Triplet Loupe Quantum 140lm LED Penlight The piece containing these inclusions is absolutely loaded with different arthropods, but the most spectacular inclusions are those of a swarm of 11 extinct Leptomyrmex ants: there are 9 complete and 2 incomplete individuals, averaging 3.5mm in body length. In a lighthearted interpretation, it appears as though the duo in this image are performing some acrobatic act, while half of another individual gives audience! Other prominent inclusions consist of a twig (7mm), spider (2mm), formicine ant (3mm), two muscoid flies (1.5mm), two nematoceran flies (possible chironomid at 1mm, heavily decomposed mycetophilid at 3mm), and numerous enhydros.© Kaegen Lau
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Hello my dear friends, Well I wanted to show off a recent article with my findings described by professionals. Soon, I will officially have 21 insects with my name/name/ invented name that I have found for science. Of course there were more but patronymic is not always possible. This time one of the beetles was described with the maiden name of my mother and our family. Stagetus szydlowskae. "Etymology. Patronymic, dedicated to mother and the family from the mother's side of Artur Michalski - Anna Michalska (Anna Szydlowska)." Article - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360066119_Three_new_Ptinidae_Coleoptera_Bostrichoidea_from_Eocene_Baltic_amber Enjoy ! Artur M.
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VIDEO: Ethiopian Amber ("Tertiary Sediments", 23-16 Ma)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
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
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I don’t know from which locality this specimen originated. I found it among my late grandfather’s property. From what I can gather, this is an extremely large specimen of amber. It weighs approximately 110 lbs, measures approximately 22” x 18” x 11” and features many interesting inclusions from what i can see. I’ve performed a scratch test, hot needle test, acetone test, smell test, saltwater test, UV light test, and specific gravity test… all of which seem to confirm its identity as amber. If this is true, however, based on the information I can find, it would seem that I’ve come into possession of one of the largest pieces of amber on record. You can imagine my skepticism at having made this discovery in a small neighborhood in southern Indiana… I haven’t a clue what to do next—please help!
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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Does anyone have any ideas on what transformations an organism undergoes as it becomes an inclusion? Why do they often become translucent or transparent? Why do they often turn black/brown? Do they polymerize? How do some inclusions retain a lifelike or unaltered appearance? Why do exposed sections of inclusions have a crystalline appearance? I'm surprised that I can't find any meaningful answers to these questions.
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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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[Burmite Amber Inclusion] Mantispidae Very Rare Mantid Lacewing Manstisfly !
vermiculosis posted a topic in General Fossil Discussion
Hello from the amber cave. This time i'd like to show super detailed very rare Mantispidae from burmite amber ( Cretaceous Era ). I love Neuroptera in general but this one is just spectacular ! Better quality picture ------> https://ibb.co/fDKQWq6 Enjoy and cheers ! Artur -
Hi, I received a few amber inclusions from a friend - unfortunately the seller did not provide any ID of the specimens. She did however provide a few photos - maybe someone will be able to identify the creatures / stuff trapped in amber. Specimen 1 Specimen 2 Specimen 3 Specimen 4 Regards, Kasia
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Blakeburn Amber (Allenby Fm., 52.5-48 Ma)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities
“Blakeburn Amber” Coalmont, British Columbia Allenby Fm. (Princeton Group) 52.5-48 Ma Weight: 0.8g Dimensions: 16x16x13mm Lighting: Longwave UV The final entry in a series of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. This is a fine example of an in-situ piece of amber. The matrix is high-volatile type B bituminous coal, which contains small portions of methane; it has a bright vitreous luster due to it containing over 90% vitrinite (a “maceral”, or component of coal, derived from woody plant tissue). Geology of the Allenby Fm.: Within the Tulameen Basin lies the Tulameen Coalfield, which covers approximately 6.2 square miles (10 sq. km.), and is located about 12.5 miles (20 km.) northwest of Princeton, B.C.; within the Allenby Fm. is three members/layers: an upper member of sandstone and conglomerate 600 m thick, a lower sandstone member 100-150 m thick, and a middle member 130 m thick; the middle member is predominantly mudstone and shale and contains two coal seams, the upper seam containing amber. The main seam lies 25-40 m above the lower seam, is 15-21 m thick, and is of much higher quality than the lower seam: it is from this layer that much of the mining was done. Botanical Source: Nearby, the Allenby Fm. is composed of three Members, the middle being the Vermillion Bluffs Shale: it is known for its rich deposits of plant fossils. Approximately 9.3 miles (15 km.) southeast of the Tulameen Coalfield, is the famous Thomas Ranch locality: here, the majority of the plant fossils consist of cupressaceous remains, “Metasequoia occidentalis” being the most common; at Tiger Mountain (Washington State, USA), Eocene-aged amber occurs alongside Metasequoia and Taxodium leaf imprints, which are plentiful. It is quite possible that Blakeburn and Tiger Mountain ambers were derived from a Cupressaceae source tree. History of Mine: In 1899, analyses on the coal of the Tulameen Basin were submitted to the Geological Survey of Canada, and mining began in 1904 in the Blakeburn Creek area; the owners of the mines, Coalmont Collieries, Ltd., created 5 mines over the next 30 years, with mines No. 1 and No. 2 opening in 1913. No. 3 and No. 4 began production in the 1920s, but were shut down in the 1930s due to fires and flooding. It was in the No. 4 mine that a tragic incident occurred on August 13, 1930: an explosion killed 45 men, and was believed to have been caused by a buildup of methane (released from the high-volatile type B coal, mentioned earlier) from closed-off mining areas. The official explanation by the mining company claimed methane was not a major contributing factor; interesting, considering that the fire bosses of the mine asserted to the workers beforehand that the mines were gas-free. From 1900 to 1940, 2.2 million tons of coal were produced, with the No. 5 Mine closing in 1940. Sporadic exploration has been done in the area since 1960, and in 2002, Compliance Coal Mining was planning to open a mine in the Tulameen Basin. Sources: “The Eocene Thomas Ranch flora, Allenby Formation, Princeton, British Columbia, Canada”; Article in “Botany”; Dillhoff, et. al. 2013 “Overview of the Coalbed Methane Potential of Tertiary Coal Basins in the Interior of British Columbia”; BCGS Geological Fieldwork 2002; Barry Ryan “Coal Petrology of the Tulameen Coalfield, South Central British Columbia”; Western Washington University; V. Eileen Williams 1978 “Stratigraphy of Eocene Rocks in a Part of King County, Washington”; U.S. Geological Survey; James D. Vine 1962© Kaegen Lau
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- allenby formation
- amber
- (and 11 more)
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Blakeburn Amber (Allenby Fm., 52.5-48 Ma)
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities
“Blakeburn Amber” Coalmont, British Columbia Allenby Fm. (Princeton Group) 52.5-48 Ma Weight: 0.8g Dimensions: 16x16x13mm Lighting: 140lm LED The final entry in a series of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. This is a fine example of an in-situ piece of amber. The matrix is high-volatile type B bituminous coal, which contains small portions of methane; it has a bright vitreous luster due to it containing over 90% vitrinite (a “maceral”, or component of coal, derived from woody plant tissue). Geology of the Allenby Fm.: Within the Tulameen Basin lies the Tulameen Coalfield, which covers approximately 6.2 square miles (10 sq. km.), and is located about 12.5 miles (20 km.) northwest of Princeton, B.C.; within the Allenby Fm. is three members/layers: an upper member of sandstone and conglomerate 600 m thick, a lower sandstone member 100-150 m thick, and a middle member 130 m thick; the middle member is predominantly mudstone and shale and contains two coal seams, the upper seam containing amber. The main seam lies 25-40 m above the lower seam, is 15-21 m thick, and is of much higher quality than the lower seam: it is from this layer that much of the mining was done. Botanical Source: Nearby, the Allenby Fm. is composed of three Members, the middle being the Vermillion Bluffs Shale: it is known for its rich deposits of plant fossils. Approximately 9.3 miles (15 km.) southeast of the Tulameen Coalfield, is the famous Thomas Ranch locality: here, the majority of the plant fossils consist of cupressaceous remains, “Metasequoia occidentalis” being the most common; at Tiger Mountain (Washington State, USA), Eocene-aged amber occurs alongside Metasequoia and Taxodium leaf imprints, which are plentiful. It is quite possible that Blakeburn and Tiger Mountain ambers were derived from a Cupressaceae source tree. History of Mine: In 1899, analyses on the coal of the Tulameen Basin were submitted to the Geological Survey of Canada, and mining began in 1904 in the Blakeburn Creek area; the owners of the mines, Coalmont Collieries, Ltd., created 5 mines over the next 30 years, with mines No. 1 and No. 2 opening in 1913. No. 3 and No. 4 began production in the 1920s, but were shut down in the 1930s due to fires and flooding. It was in the No. 4 mine that a tragic incident occurred on August 13, 1930: an explosion killed 45 men, and was believed to have been caused by a buildup of methane (released from the high-volatile type B coal, mentioned earlier) from closed-off mining areas. The official explanation by the mining company claimed methane was not a major contributing factor; interesting, considering that the fire bosses of the mine asserted to the workers beforehand that the mines were gas-free. From 1900 to 1940, 2.2 million tons of coal were produced, with the No. 5 Mine closing in 1940. Sporadic exploration has been done in the area since 1960, and in 2002, Compliance Coal Mining was planning to open a mine in the Tulameen Basin. Sources: “The Eocene Thomas Ranch flora, Allenby Formation, Princeton, British Columbia, Canada”; Article in “Botany”; Dillhoff, et. al. 2013 “Overview of the Coalbed Methane Potential of Tertiary Coal Basins in the Interior of British Columbia”; BCGS Geological Fieldwork 2002; Barry Ryan “Coal Petrology of the Tulameen Coalfield, South Central British Columbia”; Western Washington University; V. Eileen Williams 1978 “Stratigraphy of Eocene Rocks in a Part of King County, Washington”; U.S. Geological Survey; James D. Vine 1962© Kaegen Lau
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- allenby formation
- amber
- (and 11 more)
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Oise Amber (Argiles à lignites du Soissonnais, Lowermost Eocene [~56-53 Ma])
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
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
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- amber
- argiles à lignites du soissonnais
- (and 13 more)
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Oise Amber (Argiles à lignites du Soissonnais, Lowermost Eocene [~56-53 Ma])
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
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
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- amber
- argiles à lignites du soissonnais
- (and 13 more)
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Oise Amber (Argiles à lignites du Soissonnais, Lowermost Eocene [~56-53 Ma])
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
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
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- amber
- argiles à lignites du soissonnais
- (and 13 more)
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Sakhalin Amber (Naibuchi Fm., Middle Eocene [~47.8-38 Ma])
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities
“Sakhalin Amber” Sakhalin Island, Russia Starodubskoye, Nayba River Estuary Naibuchi Fm. (Autochthonous) Middle Eocene (~47.8-38 Ma) Specimen D: 0.3g / 14x8x5mm Lighting: 140lm LED Entry eight of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. The island Sakhalin is located in the Far East region of Russia, just north of the island of Hokkaido, Japan. Amber is usually found washed onto the shoreline, near the village of Starodubskoye; it is eroded from coal exposures of the Naibuchi Fm. and carried by the Nayba River, emptying in the Okhotsk Sea. The amber is considered autochthonous (found in original place of formation) or in the case of amber on the shoreline, parautochthonous (carried a relatively short distance from original deposit). Sakhalin amber is a variety of Rumanite which, as has been shown through recent analyses (E.C. Stout, et.al. 2000), is an amber identical or nearly identical to succinite (Baltic amber) that has undergone a high degree of polymerization; significant geological forces (heat, pressure) exerted on the resin during its burial, altered the resin itself and degraded/deformed any biological inclusions contained in the resin. As is often the case with Rumanite, particularly Sakhalin amber, the cavities inside trapped insects are found filled with resin, due to the intense forces the resin was subjected to. Rumanite also has a slightly higher melting point than Baltic amber, at 300-350˚C (as opposed to 250-300˚C). As of 2019, nearly 1,250 insect and arachnid inclusions have been discovered in Sakhalin amber, with aphids and chironomids (non-biting midges) comprising the majority of inclusions; strangely, beetle larvae are more common than their adult forms in this amber. Simetite, as a fresh resin, was believed to have low-viscosity as compared to other ambers; this property made it less likely for animals to become trapped. Interestingly, from a previously-studied collection of Rovno amber, it was found that 23% of all hemipteran inclusions were of the suborder Auchenorrhyncha, namely planthoppers (Infraorder: Fulgoromorpha, Superfamily: Fulgoroidea) and leafhoppers (Infraorder: Cicadomorpha, Superfamily: Membracoidea), with a 10% finding in Baltic amber, and less than 0.3% in Sakhalin amber: the low rates of occurrence in Sakhalin amber are possibly due to the small size of specimens in general, the low-viscosity nature of the resin, and/or a limited presence of planthoppers and leafhoppers in the ancient forest. Only a single leafhopper specimen has been described from Sakhalin amber. Sources: “First record of Cicadellidae (Insecta, Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha) from Eocene Sakhalinian amber”; ZooKeys, Issue 886; Christopher H. Dietrich, Evgeny E. Perkovsky 2019 “Amber Deposits in Romania, with Particular Emphasis on Those Located on the Eastern Side of the Carpathians (Bibliogeographical Considerations and a few Field Investigations)”; Annales d’Université Valahia Targoviste, Section d’Archéologie et d’Histoire, Tome XIX, pp. 33-56; Cârciumaru, et. al. 2017 https://bugguide.net/node/view/12745/tree© Kaegen Lau
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- amber
- autochthonous
- (and 12 more)
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Sakhalin Amber (Naibuchi Fm., Middle Eocene [~47.8-38 Ma])
Barrelcactusaddict posted a gallery image in Member Collections
From the album: Fossil Amber and Copal: Worldwide Localities
“Sakhalin Amber” Sakhalin Island, Russia Starodubskoye, Nayba River Estuary Naibuchi Fm. (Autochthonous) Middle Eocene (~47.8-38 Ma) Specimen B: 0.4g / 17x7x7mm Lighting: 140lm LED Entry eight of ten, detailing various rare ambers from European, Asian, and North American localities. The island Sakhalin is located in the Far East region of Russia, just north of the island of Hokkaido, Japan. Amber is usually found washed onto the shoreline, near the village of Starodubskoye; it is eroded from coal exposures of the Naibuchi Fm. and carried by the Nayba River, emptying in the Okhotsk Sea. The amber is considered autochthonous (found in original place of formation) or in the case of amber on the shoreline, parautochthonous (carried a relatively short distance from original deposit). Sakhalin amber is a variety of Rumanite which, as has been shown through recent analyses (E.C. Stout, et.al. 2000), is an amber identical or nearly identical to succinite (Baltic amber) that has undergone a high degree of polymerization; significant geological forces (heat, pressure) exerted on the resin during its burial, altered the resin itself and degraded/deformed any biological inclusions contained in the resin. As is often the case with Rumanite, particularly Sakhalin amber, the cavities inside trapped insects are found filled with resin, due to the intense forces the resin was subjected to. Rumanite also has a slightly higher melting point than Baltic amber, at 300-350˚C (as opposed to 250-300˚C). As of 2019, nearly 1,250 insect and arachnid inclusions have been discovered in Sakhalin amber, with aphids and chironomids (non-biting midges) comprising the majority of inclusions; strangely, beetle larvae are more common than their adult forms in this amber. Simetite, as a fresh resin, was believed to have low-viscosity as compared to other ambers; this property made it less likely for animals to become trapped. Interestingly, from a previously-studied collection of Rovno amber, it was found that 23% of all hemipteran inclusions were of the suborder Auchenorrhyncha, namely planthoppers (Infraorder: Fulgoromorpha, Superfamily: Fulgoroidea) and leafhoppers (Infraorder: Cicadomorpha, Superfamily: Membracoidea), with a 10% finding in Baltic amber, and less than 0.3% in Sakhalin amber: the low rates of occurrence in Sakhalin amber are possibly due to the small size of specimens in general, the low-viscosity nature of the resin, and/or a limited presence of planthoppers and leafhoppers in the ancient forest. Only a single leafhopper specimen has been described from Sakhalin amber. Sources: “First record of Cicadellidae (Insecta, Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha) from Eocene Sakhalinian amber”; ZooKeys, Issue 886; Christopher H. Dietrich, Evgeny E. Perkovsky 2019 “Amber Deposits in Romania, with Particular Emphasis on Those Located on the Eastern Side of the Carpathians (Bibliogeographical Considerations and a few Field Investigations)”; Annales d’Université Valahia Targoviste, Section d’Archéologie et d’Histoire, Tome XIX, pp. 33-56; Cârciumaru, et. al. 2017 https://bugguide.net/node/view/12745/tree© Kaegen Lau
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- amber
- autochthonous
- (and 12 more)