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Two hikers traversing the Krkonoše Mountains in northeastern Czech Republic recently unearthed a remarkable stash of gold coins and jewelry — hidden for nearly a century. What began as a casual hike ended in the discovery of nearly 600 gold coins and an assortment of valuable personal items, now under the care of the Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové.



The find began innocently enough. The hikers were at the edge of an overgrown field when they spotted a small metal can peeking out from a crevice in a moss-covered stone wall.



What they found inside the can were 598 gold coins meticulously arranged in 11 stacks, each wrapped in black fabric. Just a few feet away, they uncovered a second container — an iron box housing 10 bracelets, 16 cigarette cases, a powder compact, a comb, a silver-mesh purse, and a chain with a key, all crafted from precious metals.

The complete cache weighed more than 15 pounds and is valued at more than $680,000.

“This kind of find is extraordinary not only because of its volume, but also the variety and geographic spread of the coins,” said Miroslav Novák, head of the archaeological department at the Museum of East Bohemia, in a translated statement. “It was clearly not about the nominal value of the coins or what they could buy. Rather, it was deliberately hidden because it was a precious metal.”

Experts have dated the coins from 1808 to 1915, with some reissued in 1921 in what was then Yugoslavia. The gold pieces come from a broad swath of Europe and beyond, including France, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Romania, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and even North Africa. Curiously, coins from Czechoslovakia and Germany are absent, adding to the mystery.

Theories about the treasure’s origin abound. The Museum suggests that it may have been hidden by Jewish families or fleeing citizens during the Nazi occupation in the late 1930s. Others speculate it could have belonged to Germans fearing postwar expulsion in 1945, or perhaps someone protecting assets during the 1953 Soviet-imposed monetary reform in Czechoslovakia.

“There are a huge number of possibilities,” noted historian Martin Vesely of Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in an interview with The New York Times. “Anything could have happened.”

Regardless of the true story, the find has captured public imagination and sparked interest among historians and archaeologists alike. The treasure carries historical significance that far exceeds its monetary worth.

Novák remembered his reaction to seeing the treasure for the first time.

“My jaw dropped,” he said.

The hikers are set to receive a 10% finder’s fee, and the Museum of Eastern Bohemia plans to display the trove to the public after further analysis.

Credits: Images courtesy of Museum of Eastern Bohemia.

For centuries, gold has symbolized wealth, beauty and permanence. But its origins lie not just in the Earth's crust or the ingenuity of ancient metalworkers — they go back more than 10 billion years, to some of the most violent and mysterious events in the universe.



New findings from a team of astrophysicists, based on decades-old NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) data, suggest that some of the gold, platinum and other heavy metals in the universe may have been forged not only in neutron star collisions — as previously believed — but in rare, violent eruptions called starquakes on magnetars, a highly magnetic type of neutron star.

This groundbreaking research, led by Columbia University doctoral student Anirudh Patel and published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, changes our understanding of how some of the universe’s most valuable materials came to be. And it means that the ring on your finger or the chain around your neck might trace its roots back to a cataclysmic flare from the crushed core of a dying star.

After the Big Bang, the universe consisted primarily of hydrogen, helium and trace amounts of lithium. Heavier elements, such as iron, formed in the hearts of massive stars. But the creation of elements heavier than iron, such as gold or platinum, require extreme environments — the kind where atoms are bombarded with neutrons in rapid succession, a process called rapid neutron capture or r-process nucleosynthesis.

Until recently, astrophysicists believed that this process primarily occurred during kilonovas, the dramatic collisions of neutron stars. Such events were observed in 2017, providing definitive proof that gold and other heavy elements could be produced this way. However, these events are rare and occur relatively late in cosmic history — too late to explain how ancient stars, and by extension early planets, already contained heavy metals billions of years ago.



Enter the magnetar.

A magnetar is a type of neutron star with a magnetic field a thousand trillion times stronger than Earth’s. These stellar remnants are so dense that a teaspoon of their matter would weigh as much as a billion tons. On rare occasions, magnetars experience “starquakes,” when their crust fractures under magnetic stress. These eruptions — called magnetar giant flares — unleash enormous amounts of energy and, as this new study suggests, may eject neutron-rich material into space, where it cools and forms heavy elements.

Remarkably, Patel’s team found gamma-ray signals in archival satellite data from a 2004 magnetar flare that matched predictions for this heavy element formation process. Their work indicates that magnetar flares could contribute up to 10% of the galaxy’s supply of elements heavier than iron — including gold, platinum and uranium.

This discovery not only fills in gaps in our understanding of cosmic chemistry but adds depth to the story behind every gold or platinum object we wear. The necklace you treasure, or the heirloom ring passed down through generations, may contain material that was born in an event more explosive and ancient than our own Sun.

Looking forward, scientists hope NASA’s upcoming Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI), set to launch in 2027, will confirm these results by detecting the elemental signatures from future magnetar flares. With this new window into stellar alchemy, researchers are one step closer to fully mapping the cosmic origin of the elements — and unlocking more secrets hidden in the precious materials we cherish.

So the next time you admire a gold bracelet or platinum ring, consider this: You’re wearing a relic from one of the universe’s most powerful explosions, a piece of stardust forged in a cosmic quake over 10 billion years ago.

Credit: Upper illustration courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech. Lower illustration courtesy of ESA.

What looked like a shiny piece of litter turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime treasure for one Minnesota man at Arkansas's Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro.



David DeCook, a longtime visitor to the park from Stewartville, MN, recently made headlines after discovering a stunning 3.81-carat brown diamond — the largest found at the park so far in 2025.



DeCook was exploring the 37.5-acre plowed diamond search field with his family on April 21 when he noticed something glinting in the sunlight. At first glance, he thought he had spotted a metallic wrapper from a Werther’s Original caramel candy.

“Real shiny looking, kind of like a Werther’s candy wrapper,” DeCook told FOX 9 Minneapolis. “As you get closer to it, you can tell it’s a diamond pretty quick.”



What he found on his way down a hill south of the park’s south wash pavilion was not trash, but treasure — a blocky brown diamond with a metallic copper luster lying on the surface of the earth. DeCook remained calm as he picked up the stone and inspected it.

Then, turning to his brother Derek, who was also searching nearby, he called out with a grin, “Oh, you’re going to be mad once you see what I found!”

The diamond was later named “The Duke Diamond” in honor of DeCook’s dog. Though he has no immediate plans for the gem, it could be worth thousands.

DeCook’s find marks the 217th diamond registered at Crater of Diamonds State Park in 2025 and is the largest since the 7.46-carat Carine Diamond, discovered in January 2024 by a French tourist. The park, renowned as the only diamond site in the world open to the public, sees thousands of amateur prospectors each year.

According to park officials, recent heavy rainfall likely played a role in revealing The Duke Diamond.

“April has been a very wet month at the park, with more than 12 inches of rain,” said Assistant Park Superintendent Waymon Cox. “Rain washes away loose soil, exposing heavy rocks, minerals and diamonds on the surface.”

As for DeCook, his “candy-wrapper-turned-shimmering-diamond” will serve as a memorable memento of a sweet score on a sparkling day at the Arkansas park.

Credits: Photos courtesy Arkansas Crater of Diamonds State Park.

Welcome to Music Friday, where we highlight feel-good songs that feature jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in their lyrics or title. This week, we revisit Jason Mraz’s 2018 hit, “Have It All,” a bright, life-affirming anthem packed with positivity, wisdom — and a lyrical nod to diamonds.



Inspired by a spiritual encounter with a Buddhist monk during a 2012 visit to Myanmar, Mraz shaped “Have It All” around the Tibetan blessing Tashi Delek, which loosely translates to “May you have auspiciousness and causes of success.” He opens the song with this phrase and builds upon it with a series of hopeful wishes for the listener — many directed especially toward young people.

He sings, "May you get a gold star on your next test / May your educated guesses always be correct / And may you win prizes shining like diamonds / May you really own it each moment to the next."

Mraz told Genius.com that the song helped him recover from a difficult time in his life. He described it as “a blessing disguised as a rap song,” designed to uplift and be shared forward — a kind of musical karma rooted in kindness and encouragement.

“Have It All” appears as the second track on Mraz’s sixth studio album, Know, which charted in 15 countries. The album reached #9 on the Billboard 200 in the US and #10 in Canada. The song’s official video — featuring more than 100 performing arts students from Mraz’s hometown of Richmond, VA — has earned more than 36 million views on YouTube.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Mraz explained, “It’s honestly less about me and more about shining a light on tomorrow’s artists.” The video was created in partnership with two Richmond-based nonprofits, making it a true community collaboration.

Although born and raised in Virginia, Mraz launched his career in San Diego, where he became a staple at the famed coffeehouse Java Joe’s. He signed with Elektra Records in 2002 and went on to win two Grammy Awards (out of four nominations) and sell more than seven million albums worldwide.

In 2025, Mraz is still going strong. His “Still Yours” UK & EU Tour includes stops in Berlin, Stockholm and Oslo, and he’s also set to perform at Summerfest 2025 in Milwaukee, WI.

Now, take a moment to enjoy the joy-filled performance of “Have It All” in the official music video — a visual celebration of youth, community and hope. And if you’d like to sing along, the full lyrics are included below…

“Have It All”
Written by Becky Gebhardt, Mai Bloomfield, Mona Tavakoli, Chaska Lela Potter, Jacob Kasher, David Hodges and Jason Mraz. Performed by Jason Mraz, along with Chaska Lela Potter, Mai Sunshine Bloomfield and Rebecca Emily Gebhardt.

May you have auspiciousness and causes of success
May you have the confidence to always do your best
May you take no effort in your being generous
Sharing what you can, nothing more nothing less
May you know the meaning of the word happiness
May you always lead from the beating in your chest
May you be treated like an esteemed guest
May you get to rest, may you catch your breath

And may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows
And may the road less paved be the road that you follow

Well here’s to the hearts that you’re gonna break
Here’s to the lives that you’re gonna change
Here’s to the infinite possible ways to love you
I want you to have it

Here’s to the good times we’re gonna have
You don’t need money, you got a free pass
Here’s to the fact that I’ll be sad without you
I want you to have it all

Oh! I want you to have it all
I want you to have it
I want you to have it all

May you be as fascinating as a slap bracelet
May you keep the chaos and the clutter off your desk
May you have unquestionable health and less stress
Having no possessions though immeasurable wealth
May you get a gold star on your next test
May your educated guesses always be correct
And may you win prizes shining like diamonds
May you really own it each moment to the next

And may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows
And may the road less paved be the road that you follow

Well here’s to the hearts that you’re gonna break
Here’s to the lives that you’re gonna change
Here’s to the infinite possible ways to love you
I want you to have it

Here’s to the good times we’re gonna have
You don’t need money, you got a free pass
Here’s to the fact that I’ll be sad without you
I want you to have it all

Oh, I want you to have it all
I want you to have it
I want you to have it all

Oh, I want you to have it all
All you can imagine
All, no matter what your path is
If you believe it then anything can happen

Go, go, go raise your glasses
Go, go, go you can have it all
I toast you

Here’s to the hearts that you’re gonna break
Here’s to the lives that you’re gonna change
Here’s to the infinite possible ways to love you
I want you to have it
Here’s to the good times we’re gonna have
You don’t need money, you got a free pass
Here’s to the fact that I’ll be sad without you
I want you to have it all

Oh, I want you to have it all
I want you to have it
I want you to have it all

Here’s to the good times we’re gonna have
Here’s to you always making me laugh
Here’s to the fact that I’ll be sad without you
I want you to have it all



Credit: Screen capture via YouTube / Jason Mraz.

A stunning representation of May’s official birthstone, the 37.8-carat Chalk Emerald stands out for its unparalleled combination of size, clarity, lush green hue and royal provenance.



This exquisite gemstone, now housed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, boasts the deep, velvety green color that is the hallmark of the finest Colombian emeralds. The stunning stone — set in a lavish ring — can be seen alongside legends like the Hope Diamond in the museum’s prestigious National Gem Gallery.

The Chalk Emerald was unearthed near Muzo, Colombia, a region renowned for producing the world's most prized emeralds. Long before Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 1500s, Colombian emeralds were cherished by indigenous cultures for more than 1,000 years.

Following the Spanish conquest, these mesmerizing green stones quickly gained favor among European royalty and rulers across Asia, particularly the Mughal emperors of India, who helped fuel a robust gem trade between the New World, the Middle East and South Asia.

According to legend, the Chalk Emerald once adorned an opulent necklace belonging to a Maharani of Baroda, a princely state in India. Originally weighing 38.4 carats, the gem was acquired and recut by famed New York jeweler Harry Winston in 1959 to enhance its brilliance, resulting in its current 37.82-carat weight.

Winston then set the transformed emerald into a platinum and gold ring, surrounded by 60 pear-shaped diamonds totaling 15 carats.

New York entrepreneur Oscar Roy Chalk acquired the ring in 1962 for his wife, Claire. In a gesture of extraordinary generosity, the couple donated the piece to the Smithsonian in 1972, where it remains one of the museum’s most visited and admired treasures.

Emeralds, the most valuable variety of the beryl family, are renowned not only for their vivid color but also for their internal characteristics. These natural inclusions — affectionately called "jardin" (French for "garden") — are embraced by gemologists and collectors alike, as they give each emerald a distinct character and identity.

The word “emerald” traces its roots to the ancient Greek "smaragdos," meaning “green gem.” In addition to being May’s birthstone, emerald is also the traditional gemstone for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.

Whether admired for its royal past or dazzling beauty, the Chalk Emerald remains a crown jewel among gemstones — and a timeless tribute to the lush green brilliance of May’s birthstone.

Credit: Photo by Chip Clark / Smithsonian and digitally enhanced by SquareMoose.

Ham, a 30-year-old performance artist from Maryland, has been garnering attention across major cities for his unique method of raising funds to buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend, Alma. His platform? Quite literally, a small box on a street corner. His attire? Just underwear and socks. His mission? To crowdsource enough money to purchase the most meaningful ring he can afford.



As originally reported by the New York Post, Ham launched this project in January, standing on street corners in major metros, such as Berlin, London and, currently, New York City. He holds a cardboard sign that reads “Engagement Ring Savings Fund,” along with his Venmo handle, inviting passersby to contribute.

Despite appearances, Ham insists this is more than a publicity stunt — it’s a performance piece titled "Platforms," intended to stir conversation about societal norms.

“It’s a social commentary on what we are comfortable with in advertising being disconnected from what we are comfortable with in society,” he explained to the Post.

He draws a sharp contrast between public discomfort with his modest attire and the towering Calvin Klein billboards nearby featuring similar garb.

While the message behind the project is layered, its goal is rooted in something simple and heartfelt: love.

Ham met Alma, a dedicated horse trainer, seven months ago and describes her as someone who inspires him with her strength, compassion and sense of purpose.

“What I love most about her is the respect she commands from her animals, and the care she gives them,” he said. “I’m a farm boy at heart, and thus a sucker for a horse girl.”

Alma, for her part, had no idea that Ham’s travels were leading toward a proposal. She described him as someone who treats her well and embraces her independent spirit.

“He’s a really great guy,” she told the Post, “and I fell in love with how bold he is in what he does.”

Ham hasn’t shared exactly how much he’s raised, but notes that most donations are small —typically single dollars — though he’s occasionally received $50 or $100 contributions.

The end result, he hopes, will be a “true crowd-sourced ring,” designed in collaboration with interested jewelers who have reached out in support of his mission.

He's currently doing his thing in New York City through May 4, standing at the corner of East Houston and Lafayette in the Lower Manhattan neighborhood known as "NoHo" from 12 pm to 8 pm daily.

In an era when engagement rings often come with financing plans and quiet savings, Ham’s journey is a reminder that love finds a way — sometimes with a little creativity, a bit of a chill and a whole lot of courage.

Credit: AI-generated conceptual image of Ham by The Jeweler Blog using ChatGPT and DALL-E 3.

Mother’s Day 2025 is shaping up to be another strong season for jewelry sales, according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Jewelry remains a top choice for gift-givers, with spending on the category expected to total $6.8 billion — outperforming special outings ($6.3 billion), gift cards ($3.5 billion), flowers ($3.2 billion) and electronics ($3.2 billion).



Overall Mother's Day spending in 2025 is projected to reach $34.1 billion, the second-highest total in the history of the NRF survey, which was first published in 2007. The record of $35.7 billion was set in 2023.

This year's overall sales number is up 1.8% compared to the $33.5 billion spent in 2024, and 27.7% compared to the $26.7 billion recorded in 2020.

On average, those celebrating Mother’s Day plan to spend $259, a slight increase of $5 compared to 2024’s average of $254 and up $54 compared to 2020.

Exactly 42% of respondents said they would be purchasing jewelry gifts for Mother's Day in 2025. That's up from 40% in 2024.

Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, 84% of U.S. adults say they will honor the special women in their lives, continuing a strong tradition of spending that has continued to grow steadily.

Most of those celebrating the holiday (57%) are shopping specifically for a mother or stepmother, followed by a wife (23%) or daughter (12%).

"Mother's Day is an important holiday for many consumers, only surpassed by the winter holidays in terms of average spending,” noted NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen. “Even in the face of economic uncertainty, consumers continue to celebrate the special women in their lives with gifts and outings.”

The focus of Mother's Day purchasing remains on meaningful, memorable gifts. Nearly half (48%) of consumers say finding a gift that’s unique or different is their top priority, while 42% aim to create lasting memories. Experiences continue to trend upward, particularly among men, 36% of whom plan to give an experiential gift this year, such as a concert, wine tasting, or scenic picnic.

Exactly 29% of respondents said they would be shopping for Mother's Day gifts at a specialty store, such as a retail jeweler. Other destinations included online (36%), department store (32%), local/small business (25%), discount store (22%), specialty clothing store (12%).

As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on consumer behavior and spending for key periods such as holidays throughout the year. The Mother’s Day spending survey of 8,213 US adult consumers was conducted April 1-8 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points.

Credit: Image by Bigstockphoto.com.

When Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis in 2013, he immediately signaled a new papal era — one rooted in humility, modesty and simplicity. Nowhere was this more evident than in his choice of the papal ring. Rather than commissioning an ornate, solid gold Fisherman's Ring as tradition dictated, Pope Francis opted for a recycled gold-plated silver ring — a decision rich in symbolism for both the Church and the jewelry world.



The Fisherman’s Ring holds centuries of significance. First referenced in a 1265 letter by Pope Clement IV, the ring initially served as a seal for private papal correspondence. By the 15th century, it evolved into the official seal for "papal briefs," bearing an image of Saint Peter — the Church’s first pope — casting his net as a "fisher of men."



The ring’s destruction upon the pope’s death became an equally important tradition, laden with both practical and symbolic meaning. Following the death of a pope, the "Camerlengo" — the Vatican official tasked with overseeing affairs during the sede vacante (the period between the death of a pope and the election of his successor) — ceremoniously destroyed the Fisherman’s Ring with a special silver hammer.

This act prevented forgery of papal documents, which historically bore the ring’s imprint, and also symbolized the end of the deceased pope’s authority. The ritual, carried out in the presence of the College of Cardinals, marked a definitive close to one papacy and prepared the Church for the election of a new leader. The same respectful defacement occurred for Pope Francis’ ring following his death at age 88 on Easter Monday.

Fisherman's Rings have varied widely in design through the centuries, usually featuring Saint Peter and the keys of the Holy See. Despite these evolving artistic interpretations, the essence of the ring as a symbol of papal authority and continuity remains unchanged.

In a break from the expected grandeur, Pope Francis’ Fisherman's Ring was not newly commissioned. Instead, he chose a simple gold-plated silver ring with a cross motif that had once belonged to Archbishop Pasquale Macchi, the secretary to Pope Paul VI.

During his reign, Francis wore the Fisherman's Ring primarily for official ceremonies. For daily use, he preferred an even simpler, plain silver band from his time as a cardinal.

Ultimately, Pope Francis' decision to wear what was essentially a repurposed ring perfectly encapsulated his papacy: one of service, accessibility and a conscious return to the roots of the Gospel. In doing so, he reshaped not only perceptions of papal authority, but also left an indelible mark on the history of the Church’s most iconic piece of jewelry.

Credit: Ring photo by Agência Lusa, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Pope Francis photo by Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Photographer name), CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Welcome to Music Friday when we spotlight songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. Today, we’re visiting Gwen Stefani’s heartfelt track “Rare,” in which the pop icon compares her longtime partner — country superstar Blake Shelton — to a sparkling sapphire.



Originally released in 2016 as the final track on her album This Is What the Truth Feels Like, “Rare” stands out as an intimate declaration of love. Co-written by Stefani and a trio of collaborators, the track blends electropop with a hint of folk pop, showcasing the softer, more romantic side of her songwriting.

Sapphire appears in the first line of the songs as a metaphor for something rare, beautiful and deeply valued.

She sings, "You’re a sapphire, you’re a rolling stone / You’re a sparkle in a deep black hole / You’re like moon shine, when the curtains close / You’re my answer, one that no one knows."

The couple’s love story, which began in 2015 while they were coaching contestants on The Voice, continues to charm fans to this day (they were married in 2021). The lyric “You know I would be dumb to give perfection up” was widely interpreted as a subtle nod to Shelton’s past, but the song as a whole focuses on appreciation, devotion, and emotional healing.

Back when the album dropped, USA Today called “Rare” an “outright declaration of love for Shelton,” while Entertainment Weekly described it as a “sweetly smitten confessional.” The chemistry was no secret: Shelton even tweeted that “Rare” was his favorite track on the album, prompting Stefani to tease, “Wonder who that one is about?”

Now almost a decade since “Rare” made its debut, the song remains a fan-favorite for its vulnerability and symbolism.

Bursting onto the scene as the lead singer of No Doubt, she launched a solo career in 2004 that’s been equally iconic. With three Grammy Awards (out of 18 nominations), multiple AMAs, Billboard Music Awards, and more than 60 million albums sold worldwide, her influence on pop and fashion culture is undeniable.

Born in Fullerton, California, in 1969, Gwen Renée Stefani grew up listening to everything from Bob Dylan to Emmylou Harris. Her teenage obsession with The Police culminated in a full-circle moment when she inducted them into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 — proudly holding up a photo of Sting signed in 1983, back when she was just 14.

Please check out the video of Stefani’s live performance of “Rare.” The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

“Rare”
Written by Gwen Stefani, Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels and Greg Kurstin. Performed by Gwen Stefani.

You’re a sapphire, you’re a rolling stone
You’re a sparkle in a deep black hole
You’re like moon shine, when the curtains close
You’re my answer, one that no one knows

And I can’t believe it, that you even exist
You know I would be dumb to give perfection up
How can I accept it, that this is so precious?
You know I would be dumb to give perfection up

You’re rare
And I’m loving every second of it, don’t you know?
You’re rare
And only a stupid girl would let you go

You’re so good and you don’t even know it
You’re so good and you don’t even know
You’re rare
And only a stupid girl would let you go, don’t you know?

I am broken, I am insecure
Complicated, oh yeah that’s for sure
I feel worthless, I’ve been hurt so bad
I get nervous you won’t love me back

And I can’t believe it, that you even exist
You know I would be dumb to give perfection up
How can I accept it, that this is so precious?
You know I would be dumb to give perfection up

You’re rare
And I’m loving every second of it, don’t you know?
You’re rare
And only a stupid girl would let you go

You’re so good and you don’t even know it
You’re so good and you don’t even know
You’re rare
And only a stupid girl would let you go

Do you really think you wanna make some new memories?
With me?
Do you really think you wanna make some new memories?
With me?

You’re rare
And I’m loving every second of it, don’t you know?
You’re rare
And only a stupid girl would let you go

You’re so good and you don’t even know it
You’re so good and you don’t even know
You’re rare
And only a stupid girl would let you go

You’re rare
And only a stupid girl would let you go
You’re rare
And only a stupid girl would let you go, don’t you know?



Credit: Photo by Pete Souza, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

In the world of gemology, few treasures rival the rarity and allure of a flawless diamond. But for entomologist Gianpiero Fiorentino, an equally thrilling find came not from the depths of the Earth, but encased in ancient fossilized tree resin: a 16-million-year-old “dirt ant” preserved in pristine Dominican amber.



“Dirt ants are rare finds in the wild,” says Fiorentino, a Ph.D. candidate at NJIT. “But captured in amber, it's like finding a diamond.”

Discovered in the Dominican Republic, the fossil — Basiceros enana — represents the first-ever Caribbean specimen of this cryptic ant genus. Known for their camouflage skills, modern dirt ants use specialized hairs to coat themselves in soil and leaf litter, blending seamlessly into their environment.



Their elusive nature makes them difficult to study, which only amplifies the value of this amber-encased fossil. It provides an unobstructed window into a long-extinct species, once native to Caribbean soil during the Miocene epoch (23 million to 5.3 million years ago).

The preservation of such intricate biological detail is a testament to amber’s unique properties. Formed from hardened tree resin, amber can preserve organisms in near-perfect three-dimensional fidelity, down to microscopic features.

This theme famously captured the public imagination in the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, where dinosaur DNA was extracted from blood-engorged mosquitoes trapped in amber. While the science of cloning dinosaurs remains fictional, amber’s role as a natural time capsule is very real — and incredibly valuable to researchers.

Using micro-CT scanning and 3D reconstruction, Fiorentino and his team examined the fossil in extraordinary detail, revealing that Basiceros enana is significantly smaller than its modern relatives.

This discovery flips previous assumptions on their evolutionary trajectory; instead of shrinking over time, dirt ants appear to have doubled in size over the past 16 million years.

Even more astonishing, Basiceros enana already had many of the modern traits of its lineage — adaptations such as dirt-trapping hairs and sharply toothed mandibles — suggesting that its camouflage strategies were in place millions of years ago. The team's findings were recently published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.



Amber has been cherished by humans for a very long time, with evidence of its use as an adornment and in trade as early as 13,000 years ago.

The ancient Greeks believed amber was born from tragedy: the petrified tears of the Heliades, who mourned their brother Phaëton after his doomed ride in the sun chariot. Their grief, immortalized in glowing drops of fossilized resin, underscores amber’s enduring association with divine power and elite status.

Today, more than 90% of the world’s amber comes from Kaliningrad, a Russian territory along the Baltic Sea. This region continues to produce large quantities of Baltic amber, prized in jewelry for its warm tones and inclusions — sometimes containing insects, just like the one that cradled Basiceros enana for millions of years.

This stunning discovery is more than an evolutionary footnote — it’s a golden intersection of geology, biology, mythology and fine jewelry. Like the finest gemstone, this tiny ant trapped in time reminds us that nature’s most exquisite creations often come in the smallest, most unexpected packages.

Credits: Photomicrograph of a newly discovered extinct dirt ant species preserved in Dominican amber courtesy of Gianpiero Fiorentino (NJIT). Artistic rendition of Basiceros enana preserved in Dominican amber from CT-scan data courtesy of Gianpiero Fiorentino (NJIT). Tumble-polished Baltic amber photo by W.carter, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.