The Major Amber Deposits Of The World (and the small ones)
- Ryan Zschomler
- Dec 15, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Where is amber found?
Earth has many deposits of amber, the fossilized tree resin. But only 5 of those deposits produce large amounts of amber that can continue providing new fossils year after year. There are many smaller amber deposits around the world can contain fossils, and can provide very valuable to science, but they are difficult to gather large amounts to satisfy collectors. Most of the other deposits will only produce crumbs of amber.
The 5 main amber deposits of the world are:
The Baltic region, which includes parts of Poland, Russia, and the Baltic states, is home to some of the largest deposits of amber in the world. Amber has been mined in this region for centuries and is still a major industry in the area today. This is the most common type of amber seen in stores, and is very good for jewelry. Baltic dates back to 48 Million Years old
Baltic amber necklaces of mixed colors - the necklace on the right is butterscotch colored. That amber. was made inside of a tree, as opposed to clear amber which is made outside of a tree. Dominican Amber
The Dominican Republic is home to one of the largest deposits of amber in the world, and it is a major source of amber for the global market. The amber found in the Dominican Republic is known for its high quality and is often used in jewelry and other decorative items. Dominican amber dates back to 20 million years.
Dominican amber with insects - Dominican can produce some of the largest, clearest inclusions in amber on planet earth Burmese amber (Myanmar)
Burma is home to a number of amber deposits, including some of the largest and most valuable deposits in the world. The amber found in Burma is known for its unique color and clarity, and it is highly sought after by collectors and craftsmen. Burmese amber dates back to 100 Million years, and it's insect fossils are from the time of the dinosaurs.
Museum-Grade tarantula in amber cabochon - a large spider in amber that existed alongside the dinosaurs Indonesian amber
Indonesia has a large amber deposit, and produces some of the largest pieces in the world. The only problem is that it is considered a low-quality amber, and it almost never produces insect inclusions. Therefore it is less desired. That being said, it is great for what it is. It's flaws are that it scratches easily.
AAA Blue indonesian amber sphere - An example of the best of the best that comes out of indonesia. Because indonesian amber doesn't have many insects, it's most valuable features are it's blue colors. Mexican amber
Mexican amber is a high-quality deposit from the early miocene era. Mexican amber is 28 Million Years old. It contains beautiful insect inclusions, deep colors like red and green. Green Mexican amber is the finest green color available, and it is made by sapling trees. It is located in the state of Chiapas.
Green mexican amber - One of the rarest, and prettiest, colors of amber on earth.
The numerous small amber deposits of the world are:
There are many smaller deposits of amber. These deposits produce valuable fossils as well, but in much smaller amounts.
In North Dakota, USA, there is a place called Hell Creek. There are amber fossils you can dig for yourself if you go here. Go to our friends at HCFossils.com to book a trip and dig some yourself!
Napo, Ecuador has a rich amber deposit from the cretaceous. https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02625-2
Alaska has amber. The native people gather in on the beaches and sometimes sell it to tourists coming in on cruise ships. There have also been scientific expeditions to gather it.
Lebanon has amber deposits from 300 MYO
India has amber deposits
More interesting links:
