Doorstep Used By Woman For Years Turns Out To Be Amber Nugget Worth Rs 9.2 Crore

New Delhi, India: In a remarkable tale from southeastern Romania, an elderly woman lived with a hidden fortune for decades without ever realizing its worth. The fortune in question was a 3.5-kilogram amber nugget, which she had found in a stream near her home in the village of Colți. For years, the woman used the massive piece of amber as a humble doorstop.

The amber nugget, one of the largest ever discovered, was estimated to be worth approximately 1.1 million (Rs 9.2 crore). Despite its value, it went unnoticed by thieves who had previously broken into her home in search of valuables, leaving the true treasure untouched.

The revelation of the nugget’s value came only when a relative of the elderly woman inherited the rock and suspected it was more than an ordinary stone. After a thorough examination, it was confirmed to be a significant find. Romanian authorities purchased the nugget and designated it a national treasure.

Experts at the Museum of History in Krakow, Poland, confirmed its authenticity, estimating its age to be between 38.5 and 70 million years. The nugget has now been relocated to the Provincial Museum of Buzau, where it has been celebrated as one of the world’s largest pieces of amber.

Daniel Costache, director of the Provincial Museum of Buzau, commented on the find, “Its discovery represents a great significance both at a scientific level and at a museum level.”

The family's account also revealed that during a previous robbery, only a few pieces of gold were stolen while the invaluable amber nugget was overlooked. The nugget’s discovery underscores the rich amber heritage of Buzau County, known for its diverse amber varieties in over 160 shades.

The Provincial Museum of Buzau now proudly houses this extraordinary piece.