gemstone

Amber beads

Amber, fossilized plant resin; largely polymerized terpenoid resin (not a mineral)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Golden-orange to reddish-brown, translucent, resinous luster; amorphous, Mohs hardness about 2–2.5, specific gravity about 1.05–1.10. The image shows shaped and polished beads, likely strung as jewelry.

Identified October 1, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Amber beads in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when ancient tree resin was buried and chemically altered over millions of years; Baltic amber is commonly about 30–50 million years old, though amber occurs across a wide range of geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, ornaments, and collecting; historically also used for small carvings and decorative objects.

Geological facts

Amber may preserve insects, plant fragments, or air bubbles. Despite its gemstone use, it is organic fossil resin rather than a rock-forming mineral.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its warm resinous translucence, very low weight, and softness; it can acquire static when rubbed. Major sources include the Baltic region, the Dominican Republic, and Myanmar; bead appearance alone cannot establish provenance or authenticity.