• Location: Lithuania (Baltic Sea)
• Weight: 10.2g
• Dimensions: 3.7 x 3.7 x 1.5 cm
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Lithuanian amber, often referred to as Baltic amber, is one of the most sought-after and valuable types of amber in the world. It originated from the resin of ancient pine trees that grew in areas around the Baltic Sea approximately 44–54 million years ago. Properties and Appearance Lithuanian amber is known for its distinctive colour, often ranging from light to dark yellow, leaning towards honey or orange shades. Darker, brown to almost black specimens also exist, while almost white or greenish variants are rarer. Due to its high succinic acid content (up to approximately 8%), Baltic amber is considered of higher quality than other types. It often contains natural inclusions such as air bubbles, plant fragments, or small insects, which significantly increase its collector's and aesthetic value. Insect Inclusions Insects in Lithuanian amber are a fascinating and valuable discovery, offering a glimpse into prehistoric ecosystems. Lithuania, like other countries in the Baltic region, yields amber with various inclusions, many of which contain exceptionally well-preserved insects. Flies and mosquitoes – various species are common inclusions Ants – frequently found, providing valuable data on social behaviour and insect evolution Wasps and bees – rarer, but inclusions of different species offer insights into the evolution of pollination Beetles – very common inclusions, from small bark beetles to larger species Termites – their presence reveals much about ancient wood-decomposing ecosystems Spiders and other arachnids – though not insects, they are commonly found in amber Collection and Processing Industrial amber mining is not currently practiced in Lithuania, unlike in the Kaliningrad region. Instead, amber is traditionally collected along the Baltic Sea coast, especially near the towns of Palanga, Klaipėda, and Šventoji, where it is washed ashore by sea waves—most often after storms. Lithuania is, however, an important centre for amber processing and is globally recognized for producing amber jewellery. Raw amber is first sorted by size, colour, and quality, then cut, sanded, and polished. This process enhances the natural texture, lustre, and unique character of each stone.