Amber of Buzau
Amber of Buzău (Chihlimbarul de Buzău) is a protected area of national interest located in the commune of Colți, Buzău County. This 2.52-hectare reserve is famous for its deposits of amber, a type of fossilized tree resin with over 160 colors and shades. The amber from this area, known as ‘rumanite’, is extremely valuable due to its chromatic diversity and preserved fossil content. There is also the Amber Museum nearby, which exhibits an impressive collection of amber and ethnographic objects related to the history of this mineral.
History of the location
The Buzău Amber Reserve was created to protect one of the most important sources of amber in Romania. Discoveries of amber in the area date back to 1578 and its exploitation began in a rudimentary form between 1828 and 1834. Industrial exploitation took place in the first half of the 20th century, but the most recent extraction took place between 1947 and 1983. The reserve was declared a protected area by Law No. 5 of 2000.
Importance and uniqueness of the location
Colți amber is considered the most valuable amber in the world due to its diversity of colors, which includes yellow, red, green and black. It is valued both geologically and paleontologically for its rich content of animal and plant fossils. One of the most remarkable types of amber, ‘rumanite’, comes exclusively from this region.
Local myths and stories
The people of Colts consider amber a symbol of good luck and often keep it in their homes as a talisman. There are also traditional stories about the miraculous powers of amber, which was used in various folk remedies, mixed with brandy to prevent colds.
What to visit
- Amber Amber Museum: A unique collection of amber, including large nuggets, jewelry and mining tools, on display in a building built in the folk style.
Things to keep in mind
- The amber mine is no longer in operation, but tours of the area where the amber was found can be arranged with a local guide.
How to get there
- To get to Colți, take the DN 10 (Buzău-Brașov), and then via Pătârlagele – Sibiciu – Colți (DC 69).
Visiting hours and fees
- Hours: The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
- Fees:
- Adults: 15 lei (individual), 9 lei (group)
- Pupils and students: 3 lei
- Guides: 49 lei (group, Romanian), 74 lei (group, English)
- Free visits for certain categories of persons (pre-school, disabled persons, etc.)
Sights nearby
- Rock settlements of Aluniș: Biserial and rock-hewn chapels dating from 1274.
The last attempts at industrial exploitation were recorded between 1947 – 1950 and 1980 – 1983.
By Law No. 5 of 6 March 2000 (on the approval of the National Spatial Planning Plan – Section III – protected areas), the Buzău Amber Reserve was declared a protected area.
Colti Museum Collection
In 1979 the Buzău County Museum began to acquire some amber and ethnographic objects from Colți commune – gathered under the name of Colți Museum Collection, so that on 14 June 1980 it opened an exhibition with over 270 raw and processed pieces, the largest of which weighs 3.45 kg. In Colți, some of the exhibits were taken to a house called “Amber Museum” – built in the folk style in 1973 – 1974. A mine, used exclusively for tourist purposes, was excavated next to the museum.
Location: Colți
GPS: N45.38037, E26.400930
Access: by car, on DN10 Buzău-Întorsura Buzăului until Pătârlagele, then right towards Colți and then on DC71 towards Aluniș
Accommodation: Tara Luanei – Asezarile rupestre
Guided tours: Rock sites, Secrets of the future Geopark Tinutul Buzaului
Other tourist attractions nearby: Rock sites