Baltic Amber with "Lizard" Inclusion. Eocene. Ukraine. ...

Description

Baltic Amber with "Lizard" Inclusion
Eocene
Ukraine

Baltic Amber is also referred to as succinite, and the European variety tends to have a lighter and more yellowish tone than other varieties, such as Amber specimens from the Dominican Republic. However, this example has a deep, rich coloration and is an excellent rounded oval shape with the majority of its smooth surface having a fine polish while part of the back was left in a natural state. Of course, it is the curved "Lizard" preserved inside this incredible piece of Amber that makes this a beyond belief specimen. The creature is actually likely an amphibian of a salamander variety which should make it even more of a rarity.
As inclusions are typically only found in about ten percent of Amber specimens, any rare vertebrate like this is a paleontological treasure. A group of scientists in Russia performed numerous tests in the effort to authenticate this specimen. Determining specific taxonomic details of the creature are impossible to determine without further specialized testing. Examples like this will continue to be studied and tested.
The extremely well preserved creature is virtually complete and exhibits fine detail even with the naked eye. Under the microscope, the ancient scene comes to life as the prominent "Lizard" is showcased in the Amber. The extinct creature exhibits splayed legs indicative of natural locomotion during a final struggle for life. There are "natural" air bubbles in the prehistoric death scene as well, but it is the dynamic creature that is so impactful. In addition to that incredible inclusion, a Grasshopper with visibly broken legs inside the specimen of fossilized tree resin is an amazing creature in its own right, but it is the "Lizard" which makes this a truly museum quality piece. Vertebrates are extremely rare preserved in Amber, and the creature is spectacular, highly-detailed and sizable. Its fluid body positioning adds a dynamic dimension to such an incredible specimen, and other massive inorganic inclusions in the piece give a sort of "context" for this solitary animal. This is a "wow" factor fossil sure to illicit verbal and physical responses from anyone who is lucky enough to hold it. There are not enough superlatives to do this piece justice - it really does have to be seen to be believed! This is simply an exceptional example of the singularly and tremendously rare paleontological phenomenon of a fossil "Lizard" trapped in Amber. This is a world-class specimen for sure.
Overall Measurements: 3.76 x 1.91 x 1.51 inches (9.56 x 4.86 x 3.83 cm)

[Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]

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