mineral

Amber

Succinite (fossilized resin)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey yellow to orange-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (very light, will float in saltwater).

Hardness: 2
Color: Honey yellow to orange-brown
Luster: Resinous

Identified April 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the fossilization of tree resin from extinct coniferous trees. Over millions of years (commonly 30-90 million years old), the resin undergoes polymerization and burial in sedimentary layers.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry, lapidary arts, and scientific research (biological inclusions). It has also been used historically in perfumes and traditional medicine.

Geological facts

Amber is not a stone but a fossilized organic material. Often contains 'inclusions' such as prehistoric insects, plant matter, or air bubbles that provide a snapshot of ancient ecosystems.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its light weight and warmth to the touch; it will generate static electricity when rubbed with a cloth. Common in the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, and Myanmar.