Amber — the fossilized resin of ancient trees — can be up to 30–50 million years old. Sometimes a small insect or leaf would get trapped inside and become preserved. This phenomenon is called inclusion, and that’s what makes amber a sort of a time capsule, allowing scientists to learn about life on the planet millions of years ago. In 2023, a rare piece of amber with an insect inside was discovered in Rivne Oblast, dating back some 30–40 million years. Amber is used for making jewelry, as well as in the perfume and electrical industries. Because it becomes electrically charged when rubbed, amber attracts lint and hair — so it can even be used to clean clothes. Though, of course, we’d simply spend all day admiring it instead.