gemstone

Amber (likely natural amber fragment)

Fossilized plant resin; predominantly polymerized diterpenoid resin

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Transparent honey-yellow to orange, resinous luster, amorphous (noncrystalline), Mohs hardness about 2–2.5, very light specific gravity about 1.05–1.10, and no cleavage. The fragment appears translucent with possible internal inclusions or weathering.

Identified August 13, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Amber (likely natural amber fragment) 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

Amber forms when ancient tree resin is buried, chemically altered, and hardened over millions of years; much commercial amber is Cretaceous to Neogene in age. The image is consistent with a small naturally weathered or worked fragment, but photography alone cannot confirm it.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and scientific specimens; high-clarity pieces with insects or plants can be valuable. It is also used in traditional decorative and historical artifacts.

Geological facts

Amber often floats in saturated salt water and becomes electrostatically charged when rubbed. Copal, younger resin, is a common look-alike and is softer and less geologically mature.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Myanmar, and coastal deposits worldwide. Check its unusually low density, warm resinous feel, static charge, and fluorescence; confirm with professional testing because plastic and copal can resemble it.