mineraloid
Amber
Succinite (specific to Baltic amber), fossilized tree resin
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey yellow, orange, or cognac brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.09 (floats in saltwater)
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Honey yellow, orange, or cognac brown
- Luster
- Resinous
Identified More mineraloid →
Explore Amber in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey yellow, orange, or cognac brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.09 (floats in saltwater)
Formation & geological history
Formed through the polymerization and fossilization of tree resin from extinct coniferous and deciduous trees. Geological ages vary from the Carboniferous to the Pleistocene, with most high-quality specimens being 30-50 million years old (Eocene epoch).
Uses & applications
Predominantly used in jewelry, decorative carvings, and as a source of succinic acid. It is highly valued by paleontologists for preserving biological inclusions such as insects and plant matter.
Geological facts
Amber is one of the few organic gemstones. It is famous for trapping prehistoric DNA and entire ecosystems inside its sticky matrix before hardening. If rubbed with a cloth, it becomes electrostatically charged and can attract small bits of paper.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its warmth to the touch (unlike stone) and its ability to float in highly saturated saltwater. It is commonly found in the Baltic Sea region, the Dominican Republic, and Myanmar. For collectors, clarity and the presence of fossil inclusions are the main value drivers.
More like this
Other mineraloid specimens
Amber
Succinite (Organic Mineraloid)
mineral
Mahogany Obsidian
Volcanic glass (high silica) with inclusions of Magnetite or Hematite
igneous
Obsidian
Volcanic glass (SiO2 + impurities)
igneous
Black Obsidian
Volcanic Glass (predominantly SiO2)
igneous
Gold Sheen Obsidian
Volcanic Glass (SiO2 + Fe3O4 / Gas Inclusions)
igneous
Fulgurite
Fulgurite (Lechatelierite)
metamorphic