Amber (var: Burmite) (ex Bill Larson Collection)

Item Description

The term "Burmite" is used for a rich reddish colored variety of Amber first reported from the Hukawng Valley in Myanmar. Interestingly, this specific variety does not contain succinic acid like Baltic Amber, though succinic acid may not be an original component of amber, but rather a degradation product of abietic acid. With that said, this piece is a gorgeous example of this seldom seen material. This 53.9 gram tumbled cobble has a dark red-brown hue in reflected light, but when backlit, the piece glows with a wonderful rich reddish-orange hue (similar to Madeira Citrine). These are RARE on the market, and quite valuable and sought after I'm told, since very little has come out in many years. If you're a fan of Amber, don't pass this up as you may never get another chance to get a piece of this size and quality from Myanmar again. From the collection of Bill Larson of Fallbrook, California. Bill is a well-known gem and mineral dealer as well as a miner and collector. Bill is synonymous with minerals of San Diego County, and owned and operated famous mines such as the Stewart Lithia, the Tourmaline Queen, the Pala Chief and the Himalaya, producing some of the most iconic mineral specimens to come out of the area during the 1970s-1980s. Bill is also known as "Burma Bill" and traveled the world for decades in search of fine gems and minerals, and was directly involved in the in-person acquisition and importation of superb specimens and stones from Myanmar (Burma). You can read his biography at https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/larsonwilliam-f/