After a strong storm on the Baltic coast, amber enthusiasts have entered a true season of luck. One group of seekers collected about 8.5 kg of amber in the area of the Mierzeja Wiślana during just a few hours of night searching.
After the storm, strong waves lifted resin deposits from the seabed that could have been buried under layers of sand for decades and washed them ashore. Those who went searching at night were particularly fortunate — this is when experienced seekers most often head to the beaches with flashlights and special equipment
The authors of the publication called the catch a "total record" and noted that a true amber "harvest" began after the storm: one after another, seekers are heading to the coast in hopes of finding rare specimens
Such a result is regarded as a great rarity even among seasoned amber hunters. Several factors are necessary for a successful find: a strong storm, the right wave direction, the correct search location, patience, and a touch of luck.
How much does amber cost at buying points?
The price of a find depends on several factors: the size of the piece, its color, transparency, shape, the presence of natural inclusions, and how complicated further processing will be
Small pieces of amber are usually bought for several hundred zlotys per kilogram. Larger, transparent, or unusually shaped specimens can cost significantly more — sometimes several thousand zlotys per kilogram.
The most valuable are large pieces with rare shades, such as bluish or reddish colors, as well as amber with well-preserved inclusions of insects or plants
How to search for Baltic amber?
The best time for searching is right after a storm. This is when the sea washes ashore pieces of amber that have been buried under sand for a long time
Seekers are advised to carefully inspect areas where waves leave strips of seaweed, shells, and marine debris. Amber often ends up among such natural «traps.»
Experienced hunters go to the beaches at night or early in the morning. In the dark, they use flashlights with ultraviolet light — under such illumination, amber can stand out with a characteristic glow. They also use special nets, sieves, and rakes for sifting through the sand.
Where to search for amber in Gdańsk and Pomerania
In Gdańsk, the best places to search for amber are on Wyspie Sobieszewskiej. When looking at the entire Polish Baltic Sea coast, it is east of Sobieszewo where the sea most often washes up amber
Seekers can also be found on the beach in Brzeźno, but amber is significantly rarer in the area of Jelitkowo
The area of Mierzeja Wiślana is considered a true treasure trove — especially the section from Stegna to Mikoszewo. This is where some of the most famous amber extraction sites in Poland are located
In the town of Jantar, named after this natural treasure, the World Amber Extraction Championship is held annually. Participants from around the world compete to see who can find the most "Baltic gold" the fastest
