Amber in the Raritan Formation

The Sayreville Clay Member of the Raritan Formation yields amber form scattered lignite horizons. The amber is not of consistently high quality like other amber-bearing regions of the world. However, it is one of the older amber-bearing deposits, and the amber frequently contains insects (mostly gnat-like insects). Many recent articles have been published about the Sayreville insect and plant fauna. Besides amber, the lignite beds in the Sayreville yeild fossil wood, insect remains, well preserved plant material, and an abundance of marcasite and pyrite "balls" (commonly encrusting fossil wood). Amber, pyrite balls, and wood are illustrated above.

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