gemstone

Amber-like fossilized resin

Amber (fossilized plant resin; commonly succinite, C₁₀H₁₆O)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Honey-brown to translucent gray-brown with resinous luster and conchoidal fracture; Mohs hardness 2–2.5, very low density (~1.05–1.10), amorphous rather than crystalline. The rough outer rind and lightweight appearance fit amber, though the image alone cannot exclude copal or another resinous material.

Identified August 19, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Plant resin buried in sediment and polymerized over roughly 1–300 million years; major deposits include Baltic-region Eocene amber (~44 million years old), Dominican Republic Miocene amber, and Burmese Cretaceous amber.

Uses & applications

Cut and polished for jewelry, ornaments, and inclusions; historically used for incense and small carvings. Value rises sharply with transparency, color, size, and intact insects or plants.

Geological facts

Amber is warm to the touch, floats in concentrated salt water, and can produce a pine-like odor and static charge when gently rubbed; copal is younger and softer.

Field identification & locations

Common colors are yellow, orange, brown, and rare blue; inspect for flow lines, natural rind, bubbles, and inclusions. A hot-needle test can damage it, so laboratory FTIR testing is preferred.