• Location: Lithuania (Baltic Sea)
• Weight: 13g
• Size: 4.3 x 3.1 x 2.1 cm
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Lithuanian amber, often referred to as Baltic amber, is one of the most sought-after and precious 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 color, often ranging from light to dark yellow, tending towards honey or orange hues. Darker specimens, from brown to almost black, also exist, while nearly white or greenish variants are rarer. Thanks to its high succinic acid content (up to about 8%), Baltic amber is considered to be 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 discovery, offering a glimpse 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, providing valuable data on social behavior 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 – 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 recognized worldwide for the production of 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.