gemstone

Amber (polished piece)

Fossilized tree resin; amber is an organic mineraloid, not a true mineral

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically translucent honey-to-orange brown, resinous luster, amorphous structure, and Mohs hardness about 2–2.5; lightweight and often warm to the touch. The image appears to show a polished amber-colored piece, but material cannot be confirmed from appearance alone.

Identified September 23, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when ancient tree resin was buried and chemically altered over millions of years; amber deposits range from Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic age. Major sources include the Baltic region, the Dominican Republic, and Myanmar.

Uses & applications

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

Geological facts

Amber can preserve insects, plant fragments, and bubbles of ancient air. Copal is younger, incompletely fossilized resin, and is sometimes mistaken for amber.

Field identification & locations

Look for low weight, warm feel, resinous luster, and electrostatic charge when rubbed; these are clues, not definitive tests. The orange color and polished surface alone cannot distinguish amber from glass or plastic.