Organic Gemstone (fossilized resin)
Amber
Succinite (specifically for Baltic amber); chemical formula approx. C10H16O
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-yellow, orange, or brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (very light/buoyant)
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Honey-yellow, orange, or brown
- Luster
- Resinous
Identified More organic gemstone (fossilized resin) →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-yellow, orange, or brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (very light/buoyant)
Formation & geological history
Formed through the fossilization of plant resin from extinct coniferous trees. The most famous deposits date back to the Eocene epoch (approx. 44 million years ago) in the Baltic region.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry (beads, pendants), as a decorative ornament, and in scientific research if it contains inclusions (trapped insects or plant matter).
Geological facts
Amber is not a true mineral because it is organic and lacks a crystalline structure. It is famous for preserving delicate biological specimens like insects and feathers in incredible detail for millions of years.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its warmth to the touch (unlike cold glass) and its ability to float in highly saline water. It can also produce a static charge when rubbed. Found commonly on beaches in the Baltic Sea or in coal mining regions.
More like this
Other organic gemstone (fossilized resin) specimens
Amber (Rough Baltics/Beach Specimen)
Succinicum (Organic Gemstone - Fossilized Resin)
mineral
Baltic Amber (Butterscotch or Egg Yolk Variety)
Succinite (C10H16O)
Organic Gemstone (fossilized resin)
Amber
Succinite
Mineraloid
Amber
Succinite (fossilized resin)
mineral
Amber (Copal)
Fossilized Tree Resin (C10H16O)
mineral
Amber
Succinite (fossilized resin)
mineral