Mineral
Amber
Succinite (fossilized resin)
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-brown, yellow, orange; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.09 (floats in saltwater).
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Honey-brown, yellow, orange
- Luster
- Resinous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-brown, yellow, orange; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.09 (floats in saltwater).
Formation & geological history
Formed from the fossilization of tree resin from extinct coniferous trees, dating back to the Carboniferous to Pleistocene periods (typically 30-90 million years old).
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry, as decorative ornaments, in perfumery, and as a significant subject for scientific study when containing inclusions.
Geological facts
Amber is organic, not a mineral in the strictest sense. It often traps insects, feathers, or plant matter (inclusions), providing a 'time capsule' of prehistoric ecosystems.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its warmth to the touch (unlike cold stones) and its ability to float in saturated saltwater. It often develops static electricity when rubbed with a cloth.
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