mineral

Amber

Succinite (C10H16O)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, orange, honey-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10.

Hardness: 2
Color: Yellow, orange, honey-brown
Luster: Resinous

Identified May 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, orange, honey-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10.

Formation & geological history

Fossilized tree resin from ancient coniferous trees, typically dating back 30 to 90 million years (Eocene to Cretaceous periods).

Uses & applications

Used extensively in jewelry (beads, pendants), decorative arts, and as a source for scientific study of prehistoric life trapped in inclusions.

Geological facts

Amber is not a true mineral because it is organic. It can contain perfectly preserved prehistoric insects, plants, and even small vertebrates that were trapped in the sticky resin.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its warmth to the touch, lightness (floats in salt water), and ability to generate static electricity when rubbed. Found in the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, and Myanmar.