mineral

Amber

Succinicum (C10H16O)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, orange, brownish-red; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.09; Fracture: Conchoidal

Hardness: 2
Color: Yellow, orange, brownish-red
Luster: Resinous

Identified April 4, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, orange, brownish-red; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.09; Fracture: Conchoidal

Formation & geological history

Fossilized tree resin from ancient coniferous or deciduous trees. Most common deposits formed 30 to 90 million years ago (Cenozoic or Mesozoic eras) through chemical polymerization and burial in sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and folk medicine. Historically used for perfumes and as a component in varnish. Highly valued by scientific collectors when it contains biological inclusions (insects, flora).

Geological facts

Amber is not a true mineral because it is organic and lacks a crystalline structure; it is classified as an 'organic gemstone'. Some specimens contain air bubbles that preserve prehistoric atmosphere.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its warmth to the touch (unlike glass/stone) and its ability to float in saltwater. It is commonly found in the Baltic Sea region, Dominican Republic, and Myanmar. It can develop a static charge when rubbed with a cloth.