• Location: Lithuania (Baltic Sea)
• Weight: 13g
• Dimensions: 3.6 x 3.4 x 1.9 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 around the Baltic Sea approximately 44–54 million years ago. Properties and appearance Lithuanian amber is known for its distinctive color, often ranging from light yellow to dark yellow, leaning towards honey or orange hues. Darker specimens, from brown to almost black, also exist, while nearly white or greenish variations are rarer. Due to its high succinic acid content (up to about 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 collectible and aesthetic value. Insect inclusions Insects in Lithuanian amber are a fascinating and valuable find, 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 insect social behavior and evolution Wasps and bees – rarer, but inclusions of different species offer insights into pollination evolution 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 – while 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. However, Lithuania is 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 texture, luster, and unique character of each stone.