Organic Gemstone (often associated with Sedimentary sequences)
Amber
Succinite (specifically for Baltic Amber), Formula: C10H16O
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 (Mohs); Color: Honey-yellow to orange-brown; Luster: Resinous; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in salt water)
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Honey-yellow to orange-brown
- Luster
- Resinous
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 (Mohs); Color: Honey-yellow to orange-brown; Luster: Resinous; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in salt water)
Formation & geological history
Fossilized tree resin from ancient coniferous forests, primarily dating back to the Eocene epoch (approx. 34-56 million years ago). It forms through the polymerization of sap under high pressure and anaerobic conditions in sedimentary layers.
Uses & applications
Primary use in jewelry (beads, pendants), decorative arts, and as a scientific medium for preserving biological inclusions (insects, flora).
Geological facts
Amber is not a true mineral because it is organic and lacks a crystalline structure. It is famous for the 'Amber Room' in Russia and for preserving prehistoric DNA and soft-tissue organisms.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its light weight, warmth to the touch, and ability to generate static electricity when rubbed (triboelectricity). In the field, look for nodules in sedimentary 'blue earth' layers. It will float in a saturated salt-water solution, whereas plastic imitations usually sink.
More like this
Other organic gemstone (often associated with sedimentary sequences) specimens
Red Chert
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
sedimentary
Chert (Chalcedony/Jasper)
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
sedimentary
Chert (Red Jasper)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Chert (Arrowhead variety)
Chert (SiO2)
sedimentary
Chert (Jasper/Agate variety)
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
sedimentary
Pink Opal
Hydrated Amorphous Silica (SiO2·nH2O)
mineraloid