Beach walker stumbles upon rare 7‑ounce amber treasure
Britta Krause, an enthusiast of beach walks in northern Germany, made a remarkable discovery in early May. During one of her daily strolls along the beach in Lindhöft, located in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, she stumbled upon an unusual object. At first, she thought it wasn't of any real value.
For over forty years, Krause has been collecting fossils, such as sea urchins and shells. However, that day's find stood out. Initially, she believed it was a piece of plastic, but it turned out to be amber weighing about 7 ounces. A simple saltwater solution test at home confirmed her suspicion; it floated, which is characteristic of amber.
The 7-ounce amber to undergo thorough examination
Expert Dr. Alberti, quoted by nordkurier.de, explains that genuine amber can be identified under UV light—it will glow white-blue or greenish. It also features a distinct structure, is soft, and can be scratched with a fingernail. However, Dr. Alberti cautions against mistaking white phosphorus for amber, as it is dangerous.
The amber found by Krause will be subjected to extensive studies, including CT scans, to determine if it contains inclusions like insects or plants. Such discoveries are immensely valuable to scientists because they provide insights into life millions of years ago.
Her search continues
Britta Krause is determined to pursue her passion. Her husband is preparing special display cases for future finds, and the amber from Lindhöft will be given a place of honor. Each walk presents an opportunity for another discovery, demonstrating that patience and passion can lead to remarkable results.
Baltic amber, dating back about 35 million years, is fossilized resin from coniferous trees. The largest deposits can be found along the Baltic coast, and finds like the one in Lindhöft remind us of the prehistoric treasures hidden in the beach sands.
