Organic (Sedimentary-associated)
Amber
Succinite (specifically for Baltic amber; fossilized tree resin)
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to deep golden orange; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in salt water)
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Pale yellow to deep golden orange
- Luster
- Resinous
Identified More organic (sedimentary-associated) →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to deep golden orange; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in salt water)
Formation & geological history
Formed through the polymerization of resin from extinct coniferous trees. Over millions of years (Cenozoic era, commonly 30-50 million years old), the resin fossilizes under high pressure and temperature in sedimentary layers.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry (beads, pendants), as a gemstone for collectors, and in the manufacturing of traditional varnishes and folk medicines in some cultures.
Geological facts
Amber often contains inclusions of prehistoric insects, plant matter, or air bubbles, providing a 'window' into ancient ecosystems. It is one of the few organic gemstones and can generate static electricity when rubbed.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its light weight (much lighter than stone) and warm feel to the touch. It will often float in a saturated salt-water solution, whereas glass or plastic imitations usually sink. Common locations include the Baltic Sea region, Dominican Republic, and Myanmar.
More like this
Other organic (sedimentary-associated) specimens
Banded Chert
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
sedimentary
Chert (Flint Nodules)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Dragon Blood Jasper
Epidote with Red Piedmontite (Chalcedony/Quartz variant)
sedimentary
Green Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Ironstone Concretion / Limonite Node
Goethite and Limonite (FeO(OH) nH2O)
sedimentary
Chert (often called Flint when in chalk or limestone)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂)
sedimentary