Analytical characterization of “Indonesian amber” deposits: evidence of formation from volcanic activity

Abstract

In this study the new mineralogical and geochemical evidence for the reason behind intensive resin production in trees and the formation of Indonesian resin deposits is presented. The analysed specimens of the “Indonesian amber” were subjected to the following comprehensive investigations: PAS, IR, RS XRD and SEM-EDS. It was found that the resins are originated due to intensive volcanic activity. Based on spectroscopic investigations, “Indonesian amber” was assigned to the glessite group. The investigations revealed that the traces of volcanic activity have survived in the studied specimens in their structure were the presence of tonstein and inorganic minerals are related to volcanic phenomena. “Floating” in opaque solid–foam resin indicated that resinous substance was strongly heated trough volcanic activity.

Fossilization History of Fossil Resin from Jambi Province (Sumatra, Indonesia) Based on Physico-Chemical Studies

“…In one sample, all three resin varieties were mixed together; however, the borders between them were distinctly marked ( Figure 4). containing droplets filled with variety I resin, previously described in [3] as a relic of volcanism ( Figure 3E,F). In one sample, all three resin varieties were mixed together; however, the borders between them were distinctly marked ( Figure 4).…”

“…Nevertheless, the presence of volcanic activity as a geological factor responsible for Sumatran resin formation has been already proven in [3] by the presence of numerous mineral and rock inclusions in their structures, e.g., pyrogenic quartz, fragments of tonsteins and volcanic glass. In addition, the internal structure of resin variety III, especially the presence of droplets filled with resin variety I, was previously interpreted as resulting from boiling conditions during volcanic activity [3]. According to these authors, resin production was a tree's response to unfavourable climatic conditions influenced by volcanic explosions.…”

“…Small dark inclusions were probably particles of coalified plant material ( Figure 3C,D). Variety III is an opaque resin with a solid foam-like structure containing droplets filled with variety I resin, previously described in [3] as a relic of volcanism ( Figure 3E,F).…”

“…The presence of fossil insects and plants in the Sumatran resins has not been detected in previous studies [11]. A detailed description of the internal structures and forms of Sumatran fossils was given in [3]. The FT-IR characteristic of the specimens, as discussed in [14], revealed their similarity to resins of the glessite type, found in the Bitterfeld deposit (Saxony-Anhalt, Eastern Germany) (vide [15][16][17][18]).…”

“…In these cases, resin dating is disputable and uncertain. The accumulation of amber in deposits of various ages is related to a period of increased resin production caused by various environmental and geological conditions, for example volcanic activity [3]. Forest fires and pest infestation caused by climate change may also increase resin production.…”