The History of Burmese Amber
Burmese Amber, also known as Burmite, is an incredibly unique and valuable natural resource that has a rich history and cultural significance. Found exclusively in the Hukawng Valley of northern Burma, this precious substance has been treasured for thousands of years, making its way from the valley to the Roman Empire via the Silk Road in China as early as the first century AD.
Despite early European beliefs that Burmite originated from China's Yannan province, British explorers were able to prove conclusively in the late 1800s that the amber actually came from northern Burma. This evidence has solidified the significance of Burmese Amber and its place in history.
What makes Burmite even more remarkable is its age. The substance is estimated to be at least 100 million years old, making it one of the oldest known forms of natural resin in the world. This means that Burmese Amber has been around since the time of the dinosaurs, making it an invaluable and truly unique piece of natural history.
With its rich history and cultural significance, Burmese Amber is the perfect addition to any collection. Whether for its beauty, rarity, or age, Burmite is a truly unique and valuable resource that will only continue to appreciate in value over time.
With its age, Burmite has become harder than any other amber and boasts a high level of polish that is unmatched. This rare gemstone is renowned for its impressive fluorescence, which becomes even more pronounced in the presence of sunlight.
Despite the inclement weather conditions in London, the polished surfaces of Burmite appear to fluoresce slightly, even on rainy days. However, under UV lighting, this amber exhibits an intense fluorescence in a rich mid-blue color that is much darker than other varieties of amber such as Baltic amber.
Burmese Amber
Timeless Gemstone
Burmese Amber, also referred to as Burmite or Kachin Amber, is a precious and rare type of amber that hails from the Hukawng Valley in northern Myanmar. This extraordinary material is estimated to be around 99 million years old and dates back to the earliest part of the Cenomanian era, during the Late Cretaceous period.
This makes it one of the oldest and most valuable types of amber in the world, attracting the interest of scientists, collectors and gem hunters alike.
The remains of a baby bird from the time of the dinosaurs, it has been discovered in a specimen of 99-million-year-old amber, according to scientists writing in the journal Gondwana Research.
The remains of a baby bird from the time of the dinosaurs, it has been discovered in a specimen of 99-million-year-old amber, according to scientists writing in the journal Gondwana Research.
Amber, a fossilized tree resin, is a treasure trove of paleontological discoveries. It is widely known for the variety of ancient flora and fauna that are preserved as inclusions, ranging from insects and arachnids to birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, and even pieces of dinosaur remains. The exploitation of amber for commercial purposes dates back to the first century AD, and its scientific significance was first recognized in the mid-nineteenth century.
However, the extraction and trade of Burmese amber, in particular, has drawn criticism and sparked controversy. The deposit has been linked to funding internal conflicts in Myanmar and endangering the lives of miners who work in hazardous conditions to extract it.
Burmese Amber
Characteristics
Burmese Amber Resin - An Exquisite Material with Vibrant Colors
Burmese amber is widely recognized for its deep red or clear cherry red hues. However, its color palette extends far beyond that, and it can also come in shades of sherry and burnt orange. The fascinating quality of this resin is its fluorescence, which can cause color variations when viewed from different angles under light.
The majority of Burmese amber is transparent and crystal-clear, but a closer inspection under magnification reveals its hidden beauty. The subtle dots and swirls of color that can be seen within the resin add depth and dimension to the material, making it ideal for use in jewelry. The intricate hand carvings and designs that are so loved by the Chinese are further accentuated by the unique color patterns found in Burmese amber.
Due to its advanced age, Burmite is considered a more robust form of amber. Its natural hardness allows for a glossy and highly polished finish, making it a valuable addition to jewelry and decorative objects. It has been reported to fluoresce under sunlight, although the current weather conditions in London have prevented proper testing. Despite this, the polished surfaces still appear to emit a faint glow even on rainy days. However, the full potential of Burmite's fluorescence is revealed under a UV lamp where broken or polished surfaces emit a striking mid-blue glow, much darker than the typical yellow-orange fluorescence seen in Baltic amber.
This remarkable stone is estimated to be over 100 million years old, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. Its fascinating history and unique properties make Burmite a sought-after addition to any collection.
Burmese Amber
Genuinely Certified
At Vicky Burmese Amber & Gems Company, we prioritize trust and quality in the gemstones we sell. That's why we choose our Burmese Amber to get certified with the renowned GIT gem lab for certification, as they are the most trusted organization in the industry. (Get to know GIT)
GIT gem lab certifies each piece of our Burmese amber with rigorous testing methods, including color, clarity, cut and origin analysis. Advanced techniques such as X-ray fluorescence are used to ensure authenticity. Our customers receive only genuine and high-quality Burmese amber, certified by the leading gemologist organization, giving them peace of mind.