Mineraloid

Amber

Succinite (Approximate formula: C10H16O)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey yellow to orange-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (organic); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (very light, floats in saltwater)

Hardness: 2
Color: Honey yellow to orange-brown
Luster: Resinous

Identified March 31, 2026More mineraloid →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the fossilization of resin from extinct coniferous trees. Most commercial amber dates to the Eocene or Cretaceous periods (approx. 30-90 million years old). Exposed to heat and pressure over millions of years, the resin undergoes polymerization into a stable solid.

Uses & applications

Primary use in jewelry and ornamental carvings. Highly valued by paleontologists when containing inclusions (insects, feathers, or plants). Historically used in folk medicine and perfume.

Geological facts

Amber is one of the few organic gemstones. It can preserve ancient DNA and biological structures with incredible detail. The famous 'Amber Room' in Russia was a chamber decorated entirely in amber panels and gold leaf.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its extreme lightness and warm feel compared to stone. It will float in a saturated salt water solution and produces a piney scent if touched with a hot needle. Commonly found in the Baltic Sea region, Dominican Republic, and Myanmar.