gemstone

Amber (rough amber piece)

Fossilized plant resin; predominantly polymerized terpenoid resin (succinite, when Baltic-type)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Identified August 28, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Typically Mohs hardness 2–2.5, very low density (~1.05–1.10), resinous to vitreous luster, translucent honey-orange to brown color, amorphous (noncrystalline), and conchoidal fracture; often electrostatically charged by rubbing. The image shows a warm brown-orange, translucent, organically shaped fragment consistent with rough amber.

Formation & geological history

Amber forms when ancient tree resin is buried, chemically altered, and polymerized over millions of years; major deposits range from Cretaceous (~100 million years) to Paleogene–Neogene ages. Common sources include Baltic-region sediments, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Myanmar, and Indonesia.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, carvings, cabochons, decorative objects, and scientific inclusions; historically used as incense and folk medicine. It is lightweight and relatively soft, so it is not generally used for construction.

Geological facts

Amber may preserve insects, leaves, air bubbles, and flow lines; Dominican amber commonly contains spectacular inclusions. It softens with heat and burns with a pine-like odor, unlike most glassy imitations.

Field identification & locations

Field clues include unusually low weight, warm feel, conchoidal fracture, flotation in concentrated salt water, and a static charge after rubbing; confirm with careful UV fluorescence or acetone/solvent testing only when appropriate. Identification is less certain from the image alone because copal and plastic imitations can look similar.