mineral

Amber

Succinite (fossilized organic resin)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: honey yellow to orange-brown; Luster: resinous; Crystal structure: amorphous (organic); Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 2
Color: honey yellow to orange-brown
Luster: resinous

Identified June 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: honey yellow to orange-brown; Luster: resinous; Crystal structure: amorphous (organic); Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture).

Formation & geological history

Formed through the polymerization and fossilization of tree resin over millions of years, typically from extinct coniferous trees in the Paleogene period. Most specimens date back 30-90 million years.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry and decorative carvings. Also highly valued in scientific research when inclusions (insects, plant matter) are trapped inside.

Geological facts

Amber is one of the few organic gemstones. It is so light that it can float in saltwater, and when rubbed with a cloth, it can become electrostatically charged. Famous deposits include the Baltic region and the Dominican Republic.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its warmth to the touch (unlike cold stones), its ability to float in a saturated salt solution, and its tendency to emit a pine smell when touched with a hot needle. Commonly found on beaches after storms in the Baltic Sea.