• Location: Hukawng, Myanmar
• Age: 110-70 million years
• Weight: 4g
• Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.8 x 0.6 cm
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Burmese amber, formerly called burmite, is one of the most fascinating types of true amber. It comes from the Hukawng Valley in northern Myanmar, specifically in Kachin State. Geological Age Burmese amber is unique primarily due to its age — it is Cretaceous amber, which makes it extremely valuable for paleontology and evolutionary research. It contains fossilized remains of insects, arachnids, plants, feathers, and even small vertebrates (e.g., lizards or parts of birds). Properties and Color Its color ranges from yellow, orange, and honey tones to deep red or brown. Rarer specimens can show greenish or bluish hues. In terms of transparency, both very clear and opaque pieces are found. Due to its high degree of polymerization, it is more durable than younger fossil resins (copal), but it still requires delicate handling, especially concerning temperature variations and exposure to chemicals. Extraction and Ethical Aspects Amber in Myanmar is primarily extracted manually, in remote and hard-to-reach areas, especially in the northern Kachin region. Miners often work in difficult conditions, with simple tools and without modern equipment. Due to the isolation of the region and poor infrastructure, transporting the raw material to processing or export centers is logistically challenging. Processing and Use Burmese amber is highly prized in jewelry making, where it is cut and polished into cabochons or faceted stones. Thanks to its wide color range and exceptional inclusions, it is highly sought after for bracelets, pendants, and other jewelry. Rarer pieces with visible fossil remains are highly valued by collectors and scientists, and often become part of important museum collections.