What is Amber Mining ?

Amber mining is the process of extracting amber, a fossilized tree resin, from geological formations where it is found. Amber is highly prized for its beauty, color, and the prehistoric insects and organisms often trapped within it.Amber mining is an industry that blends paleontology, geology, and gemology. The rarity and unique qualities of amber make it a valuable and culturally significant gemstone, treasured for both its aesthetic and scientific value.

Process of Amber Mining

The process of amber mining involves extracting amber, a fossilized tree resin, from geological formations where it is found. Amber is highly valued for its beauty, historical significance, and the prehistoric inclusions it often contains. The mining process can vary depending on the location of the amber deposits and their geological context. Here's an overview of the typical process of amber mining:

• Geological Survey and Prospecting:

Amber mining begins with geological surveys and prospecting to identify potential amber-bearing areas. Geologists and prospectors examine sedimentary rock layers, coastal areas, riverbanks, and forested regions to locate potential deposits.

• Surface Amber Collection:

In some cases, miners collect amber directly from the surface. This is common in coastal regions where amber is washed ashore by waves and currents. Miners may search for amber along the shorelines, especially after storms or heavy rainfall.

• Open-Pit Mining:

When amber deposits are located near the surface but are not easily accessible, open-pit mining methods may be used. This involves the excavation of the overlying rock and soil to access the amber-bearing strata.

• Underground Amber Mining:

If amber deposits are located at greater depths, underground mining methods may be employed. This process involves the creation of tunnels, adits, or shafts to access the amber-rich geological layers. Miners use hand tools, such as picks and shovels, to extract amber from the rock and sediment.

• Extraction of Amber:

Once amber is exposed, miners carefully extract it from the surrounding matrix. Special care is taken to avoid damaging the amber pieces, especially if they contain valuable inclusions.

• Cleaning and Processing:

Extracted amber may undergo cleaning and processing to remove impurities and improve its appearance. This can include washing, cutting, and polishing.

• Preservation of Inclusions:

One of the unique aspects of amber mining is the preservation of prehistoric inclusions, such as insects, plant material, and small vertebrates. Miners and collectors take special precautions to avoid damaging these inclusions.

• Market and Use:

Processed and polished amber is typically used in jewelry and ornamental objects. The amber is appreciated for its warm, golden hues and the fascinating inclusions that provide insights into ancient ecosystems.

• Ethical and Environmental Considerations:

Responsible amber mining practices are essential to minimize environmental impact and ensure the ethical sourcing of amber. The protection of amber deposits and the conservation of amber-bearing regions is also a concern.

Where is Amber Found ?

The precious gemstone was created when resin from extinct trees hardened over a period of millions of years.The amber repositories of the world are widely distributed in the continents of Asia, Europe and North America.Since the Bronze age, the Baltic region has been the largest reserve of amber. This region includes Russia, Germany, Poland and Lithuania.Other major places are Ukraine and the Dominic republic in the Caribbean region.Though not very well known, amber is also found in some other countries like America, Japan, India, Africa, Austria and France.

In the North American continent, the state of Arkansas has the largest deposit, while amber from the cretaceous period can be found in old clay mines of New jersey. In the Asian continent, amber is found in coal mines and highly valued amber was extracted primarily from Northern Myanmar.The largest deposit is said to be in Russia's Primorsko-Palmikenskoe region, situated 40kms from Kaliningrad, which is another major source of pure amber.

What is its Value ?

Although it is widely associated with the colors Yellow, Orange or Brown, rare forms of amber can be found in blue or green.Pure amber is called solar stone and is the most valuable variety.If fossilized plants or insects are trapped within, it can greatly increase the value of the stone.It is a highly profitable job for Russian and Ukrainianminers, who can make more than $50,000 spanfrom a single pit.The average price ranges between $150 and $4,500 per kilo.

Method of Extraction

There are two ways by which amber can be extracted

From the sea- This is the traditional way of extraction and is still in use today. Amber gets washed on to the shores of the Baltic sea and can be gathered from there.

From the Land - Mining for amber by using machines and equipment was done only after the industrial revolution and advent of modern technology.These days it is largely mined from the earth from by means of deep open pits or quarries.

Hydro Mechanization Process

The amber free layers can also be washed under high pressure through a process called jetting.In Russia, the hydro mechanization is now favored over the usage of excavators as they caused landslides which resulted in collapse of the mines of loss of lives.The bulky upper layers of rock are washed away by streams of water.During the process, a mixture of the layer and water called 'hydro mixture is formed. This mixture is purified and released into the sea through pipelines.The mixture of amber and blue soil obtained undergoes an elaborate process by which it is separated into fractions of different sizes.

The blue soil layer is first diluted before being transported to the plants.It is then passed through a mesh, with a size of about 5 cm and the workers collect the large pieces of the mineral.Subsequently smaller sifters which can retain pieces of amber up to 2mm are used.The remaining mixture which manages to flow through the smallest sieve is not wasted.It is passed through the arc sieve system, gets washed and dehydrated.

A separator contains a solution having a density than that of amber is used to segregate the pieces having different masses. The lighter amber fractions float at the surface.After being washed and dried again in a heater, the pieces of amber are passed through meshes of varying diameters placed one above the other.Vibration is used to separate them into three fractions based on their size.

Tunnel Mining

In the Dominican region, amber in the mountainsides are mined by digging narrow tunnels which may extend up to 20mm.The La Toca mines are especially known to produce vertebrate fossils Amber which gets exposed after landslides is removed using picks and shovels. The mining process is not mechanized and is highly risky method as the tunnels are poorly lit, damp and slippery. They do not have proper structural support.

Miners pick out the amber after water is pumped through these tunnels. They crawl into them and chisel out the amber which gets revealed.Clarification of the amber is usually done by heating in rapeseed oil or heating under pressure with nitrogen.

Dominican and Mexican amber are usually clear and do not require much clarification after being extracted.Even after being extracted with great difficulty, the mined Amber undergoes laborious and energy consuming processes such as purification, cutting, reshaping and polishingto transform into the glistening gemstone that is sold by jewelers.