Organic Mineraloid
Amber
Succinite (specifically Baltic Amber) - Formula: C10H16O (approximate)
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, honey-gold, to dark brownish-black; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in saltwater).
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Yellow, honey-gold, to dark brownish-black
- Luster
- Resinous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, honey-gold, to dark brownish-black; 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 coniferous trees (Pinus succinifera). Most commercial deposits date to the Eocene epoch, approximately 44 million years ago.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry, decorative arts, and perfume manufacturing. Historically valued for its alleged medicinal properties and use in traditional folk medicine.
Geological facts
Amber is not a true mineral because it is organic and lacks a crystalline structure. It is famous for occasionally preserving biological inclusions like insects, feathers, or plant matter from millions of years ago.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its light weight and 'warm' feel compared to glass. In the field, look for it on coastlines after storms (notably the Baltic Sea). It will generate static electricity when rubbed with a cloth and will float in a saturated salt solution.
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