What will you learn?
1. What treasures does Lubelszczyzna hide beneath its surface?
2. Where do the largest amber deposits in Poland come from?
3. What is the history of amber in Lubelszczyzna?
4. What theories explain the presence of amber in Lubelszczyzna?
5.. What modern methods of amber exploration are used in Lubelszczyzna?
Amber deposits in Lubelszczyzna
Not everyone realizes that most of Poland's amber resources do not come from coastal beaches but from inland areas. According to estimates by the State Geological Institute, as much as 98% of recognized amber resources in Poland are located in Lubelszczyzna, in places like Lubartów and Niedźwiada.
How did it get there? The history of amber in Lubelszczyzna dates back 40 million years. At that time, a shallow sea surrounded by lush forests existed in this region. These forests produced resin, from which amber was formed. There is also a theory that amber was "pushed" here by a glacier, explaining its presence in a belt stretching from Gdańsk through Łomża to Volhynia.
Modern exploration methods
Today's amber exploration in Lubelszczyzna is much more technologically advanced than in the past. As explained by Dr. Eng. Sebastian Gnapowski from the Lublin University of Technology, georadars with special software are used for this purpose, allowing for non-invasive ground scanning. This device sends waves that bounce off various objects beneath the surface, enabling the location of amber.
Amber from Lubelszczyzna is especially valued in Asia, particularly in China, due to its unique properties. It is easier to process and characterized by an attractive yellowish color, highly desired in the local market. According to Dr. Miłosz Huber from the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, amber resources in the region may amount to as much as 22,000 tons.
The future of amber in Lubelszczyzna
Although the discovered amber deposits are impressive, scientists believe there could be much more in the region. In the Lublin area, amber might be almost everywhere, though not all areas have been explored. The main challenges are limited promotion and investment in the extraction of this resource.
The only amber mine in Poland, located in Lubelszczyzna, faces extraction difficulties, including the need to penetrate a layer of rock covering richer deposits. Despite these challenges, amber extraction in the region is worth the effort, considering its economic and cultural significance.
Not just for prospectors
For those who would like to search for amber on their own, Lubelszczyzna may not be the easiest place for this purpose. It is much easier to stroll along Baltic beaches, where pieces of amber are still washed up by the sea. To increase your chances, it's worth getting a UV lamp, which makes amber glow under ultraviolet light.
Lubelszczyzna, with its vast amber resources, is a true treasure of Poland. Modern technologies and growing interest from Asian markets may contribute to the further development of amber extraction in this valuable resource. Despite significant challenges, the potential economic and cultural benefits make it worthwhile to invest in the search and exploitation of amber in this region.
Source: Polsat
