History · Geology
About Xinglonggou (Fushun Amber Beds)
The Xinglonggou amber locality in the Fushun coalfield (Liaoning) is the principal Chinese source of fossil amber with insect inclusions. The amber beds are Eocene in age (~50 Ma), associated with the Guchengzi and Jijuntun formations.
Geology
The amber occurs as nodules and lenses in lignite seams within the Eocene Fushun coal basin. The host trees were a metasequoia/cypress-type conifer flora preserved in lacustrine swamp deposits.
Notable Inclusions
Insects (ants, flies, mosquitoes, beetles, spiders), plant fragments, fungal spores. Fushun amber inclusions provide unique data on Eocene East Asian biodiversity.
Collector Notes
Fushun amber is not as widely traded as Baltic amber but is highly valued in Chinese gem and paleontology markets. Pieces with insect inclusions command premium prices comparable to Baltic equivalents.
Minerals Produced Here
- Agate (玛瑙)
- Amber (琥珀)
- Amethyst (紫水晶)
- Chalcedony (玉髓)
- Citrine (黄水晶)
- Jasper (碧玉)
- Pyrite (黄铁矿)
- Quartz (石英 / 水晶)
- Rose Quartz (玫瑰石英)
