Posted on 08/22/2025 12:54:35 PM PDT by Red Badger
A forgotten amber nugget, used as a doorstop for decades, has been revealed as one of the largest and most valuable finds in Romania, worth €1 million.
Image credit: Buzău County Museum | Indian Defence Review
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In an astonishing discovery first reported by El País on September 3, 2024, one of the largest known amber nuggets in the world has been found in the home of an elderly woman in a small village in Romania. Valued at an impressive €1 million, this 3.5-kilogram (7.7 lb) amber stone had been unknowingly used as a humble doorstop for decades. Unbeknownst to the woman, her seemingly ordinary find would soon be recognized as a national treasure, revealing not only its immense value but also offering a rare glimpse into the ancient history of the Earth.
The Discovery: A Stone Turned Treasure
The amber nugget was found in the bed of a stream in Colti, a village located in the southeast of Romania. The elderly woman, who had no idea of its value, stumbled upon the amber while walking by the stream. It was a simple and unassuming object, and over time, she placed it by the door of her home to serve as a doorstop—a use which persisted for decades. Little did she know, this seemingly mundane rock was a precious relic from millions of years ago.
The situation took a dramatic turn when a relative of the woman—who inherited the house following her passing—decided to examine the object more closely. Initially regarded as just an ordinary stone, further scrutiny revealed that it was, in fact, a large amber nugget. The relative, recognizing its potential value, made the wise decision to sell it to the Romanian state. Experts quickly confirmed its significance, both scientifically and historically, and classified it as a national treasure.
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Image credit: Buzău County Museum
Scientific and Historical Significance
The amber nugget, now carefully stored and studied, has revealed a wealth of information about the Earth’s distant past. Specialists from the Museum of History in Krakow, Poland, were enlisted to examine the find, and they immediately confirmed its authenticity. The experts estimate that the amber stone is between 38.5 and 70 million years old, offering a unique insight into prehistoric life and the Earth’s geological evolution.
Daniel Costache, director of the Provincial Museum of Buzau in Romania, spoke of the find’s importance: “Its discovery represents a great significance both at a scientific level and at a museum level,” he told El País. As one of the largest pieces of amber ever discovered, the nugget’s value goes beyond monetary worth, with implications for both scientific research and cultural preservation.
Amber, a fossilized tree resin, is prized for its beauty, and its ability to preserve ancient life forms trapped within it. The Colti amber nugget is no exception, offering a glimpse into the ancient world by preserving numerous plant and insect remains that date back millions of years. These fossilized creatures, including insects and other organisms, are invaluable to researchers studying ancient ecosystems and the biodiversity of the past.
The Mystery of the Thieves
While the amber nugget’s discovery is an extraordinary story in itself, it is made even more intriguing by the fact that, during a break-in at the woman’s home, the thieves completely overlooked the precious stone. Reports from the woman’s family indicate that the criminals stole only a few pieces of gold jewelry, ignoring the amber nugget that lay just in front of them. The irony of the situation is hard to ignore—while the thieves searched frantically for valuables, they missed the true treasure right before their eyes.
In a way, this oversight contributed to the piece’s preservation, allowing it to remain undisturbed for so many years before its true worth was realized. The amber nugget’s passage from a simple doorstop to a priceless national treasure highlights the serendipitous nature of its discovery and the incredible story behind it.
Romania’s Rich Amber Deposits
Romania, specifically Buzau County, is one of the countries with the richest deposits of amber in the world. The region is home to various amber fields, where nuggets of remarkable quality and value are frequently unearthed. The amber found in this area is often characterized by its unique shades, which range from dark reds to blacks, with over 160 distinct hues. These diverse colors are the result of the different geological processes that took place over millions of years.
Buzau amber is well-known for its exceptional preservation of ancient life, including a variety of insect species, plant material, and even animal remains. The region’s amber deposits have been recognized by geologists and paleontologists as being of great scientific importance, with some pieces containing remarkably well-preserved fossils.
The Stramba amber mine, located in Buzau County, was once one of the most productive amber mines in Romania. However, during the communist regime, the mine was closed, as the authorities deemed it unprofitable. Despite this, the area remains an important site for amber discovery, with new finds continuing to emerge from the region.
Thanks Red Badger.
Potentially dangerous. Remember, that’s how UPI found Helen Thomas. They’ve still never divulged how they brought her back to life.
Stop. Just stop.
Isn’t this how Jurassic Park got started?
yes
her find would soon be a national treasure?
Why isn’t it HER treasure?
Hope they name the stone after the old lady who found it...
Newman!!
Newman!!
.
She died..............
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