Incredible Masterpiece of Nature - Pleistocene Amber Copal with Multiple Insect & Arachnid Fossils Inclusions - Height: 67 mm - Width: 35 mm- 32 g - (1)

00
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20
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35
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35
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Current bid
€ 50
Reserve price not met
Sullivan Halipré
Expert
Estimate  € 250 - € 280
LT
€50

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Specimen consisting of a Pleistocene amber copal from Madagascar with multiple arthropod inclusions, including a spider and several dipterans, weighing 32 g and measuring 67 × 35 × 25 mm, in natural fossil amber form.

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Description from the seller

Specimen of fossil copal containing several arthropod species — Fragment of Pleistocene copal, characterized by a honeyed transparent coloration that offers an impeccable view of the paleontological inclusions. Copal, semi-finished fossil resin from prehistoric forests, represents an interesting intermediate stage between fresh resin and geologically more mature amber, while still preserving the ability to preserve organic inclusions with surprising detail. The visual analysis reveals the presence of multiple fossil arthropods, among which individuals of Diptera (likely mosquitoes) and an Arachnid (spider) are clearly identifiable. The transparency and gloss of the copal matrix allow a detailed observation of the insects’ anatomies, highlighting their morphology, legs and wings, with a preservation level that attests to the exceptional fossilization conditions. Some inclusions also show air bubbles or small plant impurities, evidence of the entrapment environment. The Madagascar origin places this specimen in a geological context known for the production of Pleistocene copal, with an estimated age between 1 and 2 million years. This fossil resin formed from the secretion of trees such as Hymenaea, widely distributed in the tropical forests of the island. The rapid polymerization of the resin sealed the organisms inside, protecting them from decomposition and preserving them to the present day. From an aesthetic standpoint, the piece has been skillfully polished to maximize the visibility of the inclusions, creating a smooth and bright surface that enhances the warm hue of the copal. The drop-like oval shape, though not perfectly symmetrical, is ergonomic and well-proportioned, facilitating display and manual analysis. The integrity of the inclusions, free of obvious damage or internal fractures, significantly contributes to the specimen’s aesthetic and scientific value. The preservation state is excellent, as suggested by the intact matrix and the absence of surface cracks or significant alterations. The inclusions are kept in natural positions, suggesting rapid entrapment and minimal post-deposition. This specimen does not require additional supports, being able to be displayed autonomously on a flat base, which facilitates its integration into any collection. This fossil copal offers a unique opportunity for paleontology and mineralogy collectors to acquire a piece that documents a prehistoric ecosystem. The combination of a well-preserved copal matrix and multiple arthropod inclusions, particularly a spider and several Diptera, makes it a specimen of notable scientific interest and an excellent educational item for the study of paleoentomology. Its rarity and quality distinguish it as a miniature museum piece.

Seller's Story

The Mineral Art Gallery offers minerals, fossils, shells and natural elements. Born in Italy in 2017, today she collaborates with international galleries and collectors, she is a direct importer of large minerals and naturalistic collectible elements; deals with the processing to insert them inside the living space. A section of the gallery was dedicated to the Wunderkammer, "chamber of wonders or cabinet of curiosities" in which Mirabilia elements are presented: naturalia and italiania, a union between "the present is the past". All lots are shipped via DHL Express and Fercam couriers, with insured parcel and tracking.
Translated by Google Translate

Specimen of fossil copal containing several arthropod species — Fragment of Pleistocene copal, characterized by a honeyed transparent coloration that offers an impeccable view of the paleontological inclusions. Copal, semi-finished fossil resin from prehistoric forests, represents an interesting intermediate stage between fresh resin and geologically more mature amber, while still preserving the ability to preserve organic inclusions with surprising detail. The visual analysis reveals the presence of multiple fossil arthropods, among which individuals of Diptera (likely mosquitoes) and an Arachnid (spider) are clearly identifiable. The transparency and gloss of the copal matrix allow a detailed observation of the insects’ anatomies, highlighting their morphology, legs and wings, with a preservation level that attests to the exceptional fossilization conditions. Some inclusions also show air bubbles or small plant impurities, evidence of the entrapment environment. The Madagascar origin places this specimen in a geological context known for the production of Pleistocene copal, with an estimated age between 1 and 2 million years. This fossil resin formed from the secretion of trees such as Hymenaea, widely distributed in the tropical forests of the island. The rapid polymerization of the resin sealed the organisms inside, protecting them from decomposition and preserving them to the present day. From an aesthetic standpoint, the piece has been skillfully polished to maximize the visibility of the inclusions, creating a smooth and bright surface that enhances the warm hue of the copal. The drop-like oval shape, though not perfectly symmetrical, is ergonomic and well-proportioned, facilitating display and manual analysis. The integrity of the inclusions, free of obvious damage or internal fractures, significantly contributes to the specimen’s aesthetic and scientific value. The preservation state is excellent, as suggested by the intact matrix and the absence of surface cracks or significant alterations. The inclusions are kept in natural positions, suggesting rapid entrapment and minimal post-deposition. This specimen does not require additional supports, being able to be displayed autonomously on a flat base, which facilitates its integration into any collection. This fossil copal offers a unique opportunity for paleontology and mineralogy collectors to acquire a piece that documents a prehistoric ecosystem. The combination of a well-preserved copal matrix and multiple arthropod inclusions, particularly a spider and several Diptera, makes it a specimen of notable scientific interest and an excellent educational item for the study of paleoentomology. Its rarity and quality distinguish it as a miniature museum piece.

Seller's Story

The Mineral Art Gallery offers minerals, fossils, shells and natural elements. Born in Italy in 2017, today she collaborates with international galleries and collectors, she is a direct importer of large minerals and naturalistic collectible elements; deals with the processing to insert them inside the living space. A section of the gallery was dedicated to the Wunderkammer, "chamber of wonders or cabinet of curiosities" in which Mirabilia elements are presented: naturalia and italiania, a union between "the present is the past". All lots are shipped via DHL Express and Fercam couriers, with insured parcel and tracking.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Number of objects
1
Main mineral
Incredible Masterpiece of Nature -
Mineral form
Pleistocene Amber Copal with Multiple Insect & Arachnid Fossils Inclusions
Supplement
Natural Fossil Amber
Weight
32 g
Country of origin
Madagascar
Height
67 mm
Width
35 mm
Depth
25 mm
ItalyVerified
14138
Objects sold
98.46%
protop

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