gemstone

Amber (rough piece)

Fossilized tree resin; chiefly polymerized terpenoid compounds (succinite if Baltic amber)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent orange-brown with a resinous to waxy luster and irregular fracture. Mohs hardness is about 2–2.5; it is amorphous, not crystalline. The photo alone cannot confirm amber versus another resin or identify a specific variety.

Identified October 16, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Tree resin buried in sediment and hardened through polymerization over millions of years; many deposits are Cretaceous or Cenozoic in age. Major sources include Baltic-region sediments and the Dominican Republic.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, carvings, jewelry, and collectible inclusions; historically also used for ornament and incense.

Geological facts

Amber can preserve insects and plant fragments, though none are clearly visible in this specimen.

Field identification & locations

Lightweight, warm to the touch, and often electrostatic when rubbed; these clues are not definitive. A gemological test is needed to distinguish amber from copal or imitation resin.