Mineraloid (Organic)
Amber
Succinite (formula varies, primarily C10H16O)
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey yellow to orange-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (very light, floats in saltwater).
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Honey yellow to orange-brown
- Luster
- Resinous
Identified More mineraloid (organic) →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey yellow to orange-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (very light, floats in saltwater).
Formation & geological history
Formed from the fossilization of tree resin over millions of years (typically 30-90 million years old). It is not tree sap, but a defense mechanism resin that undergoes polymerization under high pressure and temperature in sedimentary layers.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry (beads, cabochons), high-end carvings, and perfumes. It is also of immense scientific value when it contains prehistoric inclusions like insects or plant matter.
Geological facts
Amber is famous for preserving delicate biological specimens in 3D detail. The largest deposit is in the Baltic region, which accounts for about 90% of the world's amber. It is known to produce static electricity when rubbed with a cloth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its light weight (it feels warmer and lighter than stone) and its ability to float in a saturated salt-water solution. It can be found in sedimentary deposits or washed up on beaches, particularly in the Baltic Sea region, Dominican Republic, and Myanmar.
More like this
Other mineraloid (organic) specimens
Amber
Succinite (formula varies, primarily C10H16O)
Mineraloid (Organic)
Amber
Succinicum (Succinite); C10H16O
Mineraloid (Organic)
Amber
Succinite (specifically for Baltic amber; general formula C10H16O)
Mineraloid (Organic)
Amber
Succinite (C10H16O)
Mineraloid (Organic)
Red Amber (Burmite/Cherry Amber)
Succinite / Retinite (Organic Fossilized Resin, C10H16O)
Mineraloid (Organic)
Pearl (Imitation or Cultured)
Calcium Carbonate (Aragonite/Calcite) - CaCO3
Mineraloid (Organic)