China team unearths world’s oldest amber, hidden in ancient Xinjiang coal seam
A 385‑million‑year‑old amber unearthed in Xinjiang rewrites the timeline of Earth’s earliest forests.
Where it stands
At 385 million years old, the amber uncovered in Xinjiang is the oldest known on Earth, predating the appearance of any land‑dwelling animals. The find, described as a surprise because it emerged from an ancient coal seam rather than typical resin deposits, overturns expectations about where such ancient organics can be preserved.
The discovery interests paleobotanists worldwide and will inform future geological surveys in similar strata. Researchers plan to publish detailed analyses of the amber’s inclusions in an upcoming peer‑reviewed paper, and the team intends to explore adjacent coal seams for additional specimens.
Continued study could refine models of ancient ecosystems and guide extraction strategies for other fossil resins.
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Answered
What is the age of the amber discovered in Xinjiang?
The amber is dated to 385 million years old, making it the oldest known amber on Earth.
Where was the amber found?
It was uncovered in an ancient coal seam in the Xinjiang region of western China, within the Tarim Basin.
Why is the find considered significant?
The discovery pushes back the known timeline for resin production, offers new material for studying early vascular plants and Carboniferous forests, and challenges expectations about amber preservation environments.
Who reported it (5)
- World's oldest known amber discovered | To read more from the study Inshorts · 50d ago
- Dessert: World’s oldest amber discovered in Xinjiang Table.Briefings · 50d ago
- World’s oldest 385-million-year-old amber found in China shifts plant timeline Interesting Engineering · 50d ago
- Discovered: Ancient amber older than any creature that ever walked on land Futura, le média qui explore le monde · 50d ago
- China team unearths world’s oldest amber, hidden in ancient Xinjiang coal seam South China Morning Post · 50d ago
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