RARE AMBER SPECIMEN FROM NORTH CAROLINA. ...

Description

RARE AMBER SPECIMEN FROM NORTH CAROLINA
Miocene
Lee Creek, Aurora, North Carolina
Amber is formed when tree resin fossilizes and is considered an organic gemstone. Historically most amber comes from the Baltic coast and from mines in the Dominican Republic, but this specimen is from the phosphate mines of Aurora, North Carolina, which are known for their fossil megalodon shark teeth. Resin from trees hardened and drifted downstream into the ocean 15 million years ago and was deposited in sediments rich with marine fauna remains. This specimen is not only rare due to the locality (which rarely produces amber specimens) but also due to its large size. The amber has a rough ocean-worn texture with opaque butterscotch colors in exposed portions. The specimen weighs 8.2 ounces (232 grams) and measures 3 ¾ x 3 x 2 ½ inches.

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