Amber is the fossilized resinous tree sap from conifer trees, which over the course of millions of years becomes solid while retaining the semitransparent yellowish hue of tree sap. While in its sticky gel state, it is not uncommon for insects and other small animals to become trapped within tree sap, and under optimal conditions these insects will be clearly visible within the fossilized amber pieces. These high quality and exceptional color Chiapan Amber originated in Mexico during the Oligocene, roughly 20 million years ago. Each contains at least one (most several) clearly visible insect.