Discover the magical world of amber inclusions. Learn how these perfectly preserved insects, plants, and bubbles provide an unparalleled glimpse into ancient ecosystems.
One of the most captivating aspects of amber is its ability to perfectly preserve tiny fragments of ancient life—these are known as "inclusions." These time capsules offer an unparalleled window into ecosystems that existed millions of years ago. When you own a piece of amber jewelry with an inclusion, you possess more than a gem; you hold a miniature prehistoric world.
What is an Inclusion?
An inclusion is any material trapped inside the amber. This can be:•
Animal Inclusions:Most commonly insects like mosquitoes, ants, and spiders. The insect is often preserved at the moment it was trapped, showing signs of a final struggle.
Plant Inclusions:Petals, leaves, seeds, or fragments of moss.
Other Matter:Water bubbles ("amber tears"), air bubbles, or even tiny droplets of other resin.
How Are Inclusions Formed?
The process required very specific conditions:
Resin flows from a tree.
An insect or piece of plant matter becomes trapped in the sticky substance
The resin quickly envelops it, sealing it from oxygen and scavengers, preventing decay
Over millions of years, the resin hardens into amber, preserving the inclusion in perfect, three-dimensional detail.
Why Are Inclusions So Special?
Scientific Value:Inclusions are a treasure trove for paleontologists. They allow scientists to study the anatomy, behavior, and ecology of long-extinct species with incredible detail
Unique Beauty:For the jewelry lover, an inclusion makes each piece of amber utterly unique. A tiny bubble or a fragment of a leaf adds character and a story, sparking the imagination.
At AMBERLIB, we cherish these natural wonders. Some of our featured pieces showcase these beautiful, natural stamps of history. Explore our Featured Amber Jewelryto find a piece that contains an ancient story.