Bernstein Türstopper: The Hidden Value of an Amber Doorstopper

Unveiling the Value of Bernstein Türstopper

In an astonishing tale from Romania, a woman used a priceless bernstein türstopper as a doorstopper for years, unaware of its true worth. Discovered in a stream during a casual walk, the amber piece weighed approximately 3.5 kilograms.

Discovery and Expert Evaluation

According to the Spanish newspaper El País, even burglars overlooked the valuable amber during a robbery. It wasn't until after the woman's death in 1991 that a family member had the amber appraised by an expert, who identified it as one of the largest pieces of amber in the world.

Historical and Geological Significance

• The Romanian government purchased the amber from the family and declared it a national treasure.
• This remarkable piece of amber is estimated to be between 38 and 70 million years old.
• It is now displayed in the provincial museum of Buzău, Romania, a region famed for its amber deposits.

Amber, a fossilized tree resin, undergoes a complex process over millions of years to transform into its final form. This fascinating process includes geological pressure and heat that solidify the organic material.

Formation Process of Amber

1. Initial resin secretion from trees.
2. Burial under sediment over millions of years.
3. Geological processes applying pressure and heat.
4. Polymerization of molecules leading to hardening.
5. Final emergence due to erosion or geological activity.

Through this remarkable story, we learn how bernstein türstopper not only serve practical purposes but can also harbor incredible historical significance and value.