Bernsteinquellen

Bernsteinquellen is a term used in geology and paleontology to denote natural deposits and geological formations from which amber originates. The concept encompasses both primary sources, where resin-producing trees deposited resin in their original habitat, and secondary sources, where amber is transported and redeposited into younger sedimentary layers or coastal accumulations.

Amber is fossilized tree resin, a distinct organic material rather than a mineral. It forms when resin is buried and undergoes long-term polymerization and dehydration, often preserving inclusions such as insects, plant material, or air bubbles. Amber occurs in sedimentary contexts and is frequently associated with ancient forested landscapes near shorelines or in deltaic settings.

The most important current sources of amber are in the Baltic region, where Baltic amber (often called succinite) dominates both commerce and scholarship. Other significant sources include the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean, as well as deposits in Mexico, Myanmar, and parts of North America. The physical and chemical properties of amber vary with source, affecting color, clarity, and the types of inclusions, which in turn influence value and use.

Historically, amber has been valued for jewelry, decoration, and ceremonial objects, and it played a central role in the trade networks known as the Amber Road. In science, Bernsteinquellen helps researchers classify provenance for archaeological and paleontological material, aid in dating contexts, and understand ancient forest ecosystems. Distinguishing between authentic natural amber and synthetics or reworked materials remains a continual area of study.