An overview of the prehistoric substance amber and its fossilized inclusions, this text describes how it is formed from the resin of ancient trees and where it is found. It tells how to distinguish genuine amber from fake, describes its uses, and recounts the search for DNA from insect inclusions.

Product Description: Amber has captured the human imagination for centuries, as amulets, ritual cups, and beads dating back 10,000 years attest. It is a fascinating substance, one that offers a unique intersection of the fields of paleontology, botany, entomology, and mineralogy...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Discusses these two scientists' work with amber and their successes in extracting 100 million-year-old DNA samples

Product Description: Amber is a semi-precious gem that is formed over eons by natural forces out of the resin of trees. Human fascination with amber dates back to prehistoric times, when it was probably considered to have magical powers and was used for adornment and trade...read more