This a BEAUTIFUL gem quality piece of amber with a rare Electrophycus astroplethus algal "flower" from the late Cretaceous of Myanmar! Electrophycus is a mysterious plant found in burmite composed of microscopic star shaped clusters of spines. While it is often referred to as a “flower”, since it has a stalk and what seems to be radial structure on one end, it is actually a type of green algae. These algae that would live on the resin producing trees as these structures. The Electrophycus shows fantastic preservation and detail in its structure and measures about 14 mm which is HUGE for a burmite inclusion! The amber's dimensions measure 20.5 x 13.3 x 5 millimeters and weighs .86 grams! The amber has incredible clarity and a beautiful gold citrine color! It comes in a floating frame with a stand, blown up pictures of the inclusions, and detailed information for easy transport and a beautiful display! This is one "flower" that will never wilt!
Amber is petrified tree resin (not sap, resin is much thicker). It forms when trees secrete resin, and the resin is quickly washed away by water and deposited in a lake where it is covered by sediment (if the resin isn’t washed away it decomposes or gets eaten). Along the way, small particles of dust, bits of plant material, and even small animals like insects and lizards can become trapped in the resin which hardens and preserves whatever is trapped within (aka inclusions). Myanmar amber, also known as Burmite, is world renowned gem quality amber known for excellent inclusions of insects, plants, and even small vertebrates! The preservation in amber can be so good it inspired a major portion of Jurassic Park, where blood sucking insects trapped in amber provided the DNA needed to clone dinosaurs! While the science of cloning dinosaurs from amber is, for better or worse, not a reality the pristine fossils of small animals that are rarely fossilized in any other way is very real! Makes for a terrific addition to any fossil collection or even a gem for high end jewelry!
Fake Amber is a plague on the fossil market, this piece has been tested to guarantee authenticity!
I do combined shipping upon request.
All my items come with a Certificate of Authenticity!
Inclusions: Electrophycus astroplethus
Size: 20.5 x 13.3 x 5 millimeters and weighs .86 grams, 14 mm (Inclusion)
Clarity: Excellent
Color: Gold Citrine
Found: Hukawng Valley, Myanmar
Age: 99 million years old
Alteration: polished