Organic Gemstone (not a mineral)
Amber (specifically Cherry Amber)
Succinite (with the chemical formula C10H16O)
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep red to reddish-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in saltwater).
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Deep red to reddish-brown
- Luster
- Resinous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep red to reddish-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in saltwater).
Formation & geological history
Formed from the fossilized resin of ancient conifer trees. Most specimens date back to the Eocene epoch (approximately 30 to 50 million years ago) in marine sedimentary environments.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry, prayer beads (misbaha), decorative carvings, and as a component in folk medicine and perfumes.
Geological facts
Amber is one of the few organic gemstones. High-quality cherry amber is often produced by heat-treating natural amber to enhance its deep red color. Transparent amber can contain prehistoric inclusions like insects or plant matter.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its low density (lightweight), warmth to the touch (unlike glass), and the 'saltwater test' (real amber floats in saturated saltwater). Commonly found in the Baltic region, Dominik Republic, and Myanmar.
More like this
Other organic gemstone (not a mineral) specimens
Amber (Simulated/Faturan Style)
Resin mix (Likely Phenolic/Celluloid if synthetic, Succinite if natural)
Organic Gemstone (not a mineral)
Baroque Pearl (and potentially a small Sapphire/Blue Topaz)
Pearl: Calcium Carbonate (aragonite or calcite) with conchiolin. Sapphire: Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3). Blue Topaz: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2.
Organic Gemstone (for pearl), Mineral (for sapphire/topaz)
Amber
Organic gemstone (Succinite)
mineral
Amber
Succinite (fossilized tree resin), C10H16O
Organic Gemstone
Amber
Amber (C10H16O)
mineral
Amber
Succinite
mineral