mineral

Amber

Succinite (Organic Mineraloid)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-yellow, orange, or reddish-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in saltwater).

Hardness: 2
Color: Honey-yellow, orange, or reddish-brown
Luster: Resinous

Identified March 16, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the fossilization of tree resin over millions of years (primarily Eocene epoch, 35-50 million years ago). It occurs in sedimentary environments where resin was buried in anaerobic conditions, such as lagoonal sediments.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in jewelry making (beads, cabochons), ornate carvings, and as a stabilizer in some traditional fragrances. Significant value for scientific research when preserving inclusions (insects, plant matter).

Geological facts

Amber is not a true mineral but an organic mineraloid. It is famous for trapping prehistoric life in 'stasis' for millions of years. The world's largest deposit is the 'Amber Coast' on the Baltic Sea.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its light weight (warm to the touch), resinous luster, and ability to float in saturated saltwater. It often develops a static charge when rubbed. Primary locations include the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, and Myanmar.