mineraloid

Amber

Succinate (Organic Fossilized Resin)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to honey brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10. It is warm to the touch and very lightweight.

Hardness: 2
Color: Pale yellow to honey brown
Luster: Resinous

Identified June 4, 2026More mineraloid →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to honey brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10. It is warm to the touch and very lightweight.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the fossilized resin of ancient coniferous trees, primarily from the Eocene or Cretaceous periods. Over millions of years, the resin undergoes polymerization and burial in sedimentary layers.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in jewelry for beads and pendants, as a natural healing stone in folk medicine, and scientifically valuable for preserving ancient biological inclusions like insects.

Geological facts

Amber is one of the few organic gemstones. If it contains perfectly preserved prehistoric life, it is called an inclusion. It can generate static electricity when rubbed with a cloth.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its light weight, the ability to float in saltwater (saturated brine), and its characteristic resinous scent when touched with a hot needle. Found in Baltic regions and Dominican Republic.