• Location: Lithuania (Baltic Sea)
• Weight: 1.6g
• Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.5 x 1.1 cm
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Lithuanian amber, often called 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 the areas surrounding the Baltic Sea about 44–54 million years ago. Properties and appearance Lithuanian amber is known for its distinctive color, often light yellow to dark yellow, tending towards honey or orange hues. Darker specimens also exist, ranging from brown to almost black, while almost white or greenish variations are rarer. Thanks to its high succinic acid content (up to approximately 8%), Baltic amber is considered superior in quality to other types. It often contains natural inclusions such as air bubbles, plant fragments, or small insects, which significantly increase its collectible and aesthetic value. Insect inclusions Insects in Lithuanian amber are a fascinating and valuable discovery, offering insight into prehistoric ecosystems. Lithuania, like other countries in the Baltic region, produces amber with various inclusions, many of which contain exceptionally well-preserved insects. Flies and mosquitoes – various species are common inclusions Ants – frequently found, they provide valuable data on insect social behavior and 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 – although not insects, they are commonly found in amber Collection and processing Industrial amber mining is not currently practiced in Lithuania, unlike 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 center for amber processing and is globally recognized for producing amber jewelry. Raw amber is first sorted by size, color, and quality, then cut, sanded, and polished. This process enhances the natural structure, luster, and unique character of each stone.