Description
Large A Grade Borneo Amber – Genuine Miocene Fossil Resin
This exceptional Large A Grade Borneo Amber is a remarkable specimen of fossilised tree resin dating back to the Miocene Epoch (approximately 20–23 million years ago). Mined from the tropical regions of Borneo, this amber represents a geological treasure formed when ancient tree resins were buried and fossilised over millions of years. Each piece has been carefully selected for its clarity, warm golden hue, and natural lustre. The exact specimen shown in the photograph is the one you will receive, complete with a Certificate of Authenticity verifying its provenance and authenticity.
Geological Formation and Origin
Amber is the fossilised form of terpenoid resin produced by prehistoric trees, primarily from the Dipterocarpaceae family, which dominated the tropical forests of Southeast Asia during the Miocene. When this resin was exuded from tree bark to protect against injury or infection, it occasionally trapped fragments of organic matter, such as leaves, pollen, or small insects. Over time, geological processes buried the resin in sedimentary layers, where heat and pressure slowly polymerised and hardened it into the durable, gem-like substance known today as amber.
The amber deposits of Borneo are among the most important in Southeast Asia, often found within lignite seams and clay layers associated with Miocene-aged formations. These deposits record the environmental and biological diversity of the region’s ancient rainforests. Unlike Baltic or Dominican amber, Borneo amber tends to exhibit a deeper range of colours — from golden honey and reddish-brown to rich cognac — with exceptional internal transparency that reveals its organic origins.
Mineralogical and Physical Characteristics
Substance Type: Fossilised Organic Resin
Geological Age: Miocene (Approx. 20–23 million years old)
Origin: Borneo, Southeast Asia
Hardness: 2–2.5 on the Mohs Scale
Lustre: Resinous to Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to Translucent
Colour: Golden Yellow to Deep Amber with Natural Variations
Fracture: Conchoidal
Amber is not a mineral but an organic mineraloid, meaning it lacks a defined crystal structure. Its primary composition is polymerised tree resin, rich in carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with trace elements of sulphur and succinic acid. The natural polymerisation process over millions of years transforms soft resin into a stable, fossilised material resistant to decay.
The A grade classification denotes the highest quality in terms of clarity, colour, and surface finish. This specimen exhibits excellent transparency, minimal inclusions, and a vibrant internal glow when held to the light. Its natural polish accentuates the warm tones and fine internal texture typical of premium Borneo amber.
Geological and Historical Significance
From a geological perspective, Borneo amber provides insight into the Miocene palaeoenvironment of Southeast Asia — a period marked by dense tropical forests, evolving mammalian fauna, and significant climate shifts. The resin’s preservation captures a microcosm of ancient ecosystems, often containing micro-inclusions of organic material that help scientists reconstruct past biodiversity and atmospheric conditions.
Amber has fascinated humans for millennia. Known as “the tears of the sun” in ancient lore, it has been used for ornamentation, trade, and spiritual significance across cultures. The Borneo variety, with its tropical origin and unique optical depth, remains a prized collector’s item and a testament to the natural artistry of fossilisation.
Scientific and Decorative Appeal
Scientifically, Borneo amber serves as a window into prehistoric life, bridging geology and palaeontology. It provides data on ancient flora and fauna, resin chemistry, and the interaction between organic compounds and sedimentary environments over geological time. Its physical stability and radiant beauty also make it a favourite among gem collectors and crystal enthusiasts.
Aesthetically, the piece’s golden translucence and glass-like polish create a captivating play of light. It can be displayed as a natural specimen, used in jewellery making, or appreciated for its historic and geological value. The warm hues of Borneo amber evoke the ancient forests from which it originated — a tangible connection to Earth’s distant past.
Authenticity and Presentation
Every specimen supplied by UKGE LTD is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity guaranteeing its provenance and quality. The exact piece shown in the photo is the item you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube visible for accurate size reference.
This Large A Grade Borneo Amber from the Miocene Epoch is a timeless natural relic — an exquisite fusion of geological history and organic beauty, ideal for collectors, educators, and admirers of Earth’s ancient wonders.
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