Chiapas (Mexico) Amber For Sale

Amber is fossilized tree resin that frequently contains inclusions such as plant matter, fungi, and insects. This amber comes from mines in Chiapas, Mexico, and was formed during the early Miocene (23-28 million years ago).

Although younger than other ambers, Mexican amber is distinctly harder than other kinds. Mexican amber comes in a wide array of colors not found in Baltic amber, ranging through greens, reds, and yellows. It was originally formed by coniferous trees of the genus Hymenaea: there is some question as to which species it was. The genus has living relatives in Central and South America, but the closest living relative of this extinct genus is in South Africa.

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Amber

$7 - $295

How Old Is Chiapas Amber?

Mexican or Chiapas amber is about 24 million years old. It is found in marine shale sediment. The amber likely sat at the bottom of a shallow sea or bay, since specimens have been found with bivalves and other shells embedded in the surface.

What Is Unique About Chiapas Amber?

Mexican Amber is among the youngest of ambers and at the same time one of the hardest. This is the result of very high heat and pressure during formation, making it much more stable for cutting or drilling. Mexican amber also has a high perylene content, making it highly fluorescent and phosphorescent: it will continue to glow even after the UV source is removed.

How Has Chiapas Amber Been Used Historically?

Mexican Amber was first discovered by the Mayans, who traded it with the Aztecs. One conquistador’s journal described the Aztec ruler Montezuma stirring his chocolate with an amber spoon. In addition to implements and decoration, amber was used by the Mayans and Aztecs medicinally and as incense. Mexican Amber was relatively unknown outside of Mexico until the 1980s, but its popularity increased as a result of demand brought on by the 1993 release of the movie Jurassic Park.

How Do You Tell If Chiapas Amber Is Authentic?

Amber might be the most frequently faked fossil. With the invention of plastics it has become even easier: amber polymerizes in a way very similar to plastic, and has a very similar texture. Sometimes holes will even be drilled in real amber, filled with modern insects, and then filled back in with resin. Copal and fresher resins can also be artificially aged. Be very suspicious of large insects and other fossils preserved in amber, since larger insects can typically struggle free.

For those interested in purchasing amber, determining authenticity is important. To determine if the amber you are interested in buying is authentic first, buy only from reputable dealers. If you still are not sure the amber you are interested in is authentic, simply rub it on a natural cloth and see if it builds a static charge. If it does, it is likely authentic: if it does not, it is not. Amber will also heat quickly when held in the hand.

CHIAPAS (MEXICO) AMBER FOR SALE

How Old Is Chiapas Amber?

What Is Unique About Chiapas Amber?

How Has Chiapas Amber Been Used Historically?

How Do You Tell If Chiapas Amber Is Authentic?