Amber Encyclopedia Entry #11: Burmese Amber Spider Fossil in Silver Pendant

This amber specimen contains a spider inclusion with striking visibility. The legs are splayed in a classic “death pose,” and the segmentation of the cephalothorax and abdomen is apparent. Burmese amber is known for preserving arachnids in lifelike detail, and this is no exception. What makes this piece unique is its presentation: a polished cabochon set into a custom silver pendant, merging fossil science with artisan jewelry.

Scientific Context

Spiders are common in Burmese amber and often represent a range of extinct and extant families. Research by Ross (2022) and others has revealed many new taxa from this formation, indicating the high biodiversity of the tropical Cretaceous forest. While this specimen has not been formally identified to the family level, it serves as a visually compelling example of amber-based paleontology and its crossover into wearable fossil art.

A fossilized spider inclusion in golden Burmese amber, mounted in a handmade silver pendant.

Inclusion Type: Spider (Order: Araneae)

Estimated Age: ~99 million years (early Cenomanian, Late Cretaceous)

Locality: Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, Myanmar

Preservation: Exceptional – visible limbs and body outline

Amber Type: Burmese amber (Myanmar amber)

Pendant Material: Hand-crafted sterling silver

Video showing a fossilized spider preserved in Cretaceous Burmese amber, set in a silver pendant .

Where to Buy Fossils Like This

You can find Burmese amber with insect inclusions, enhydros, and unique combinations like this one at:

https://www.amberbugs.com/shopamberbugs

See Also

Amber Encyclopedia

Wikimedia