gemstone

Amber

Fossilized Tree Resin (Organic Polymer)

Hardness: 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, orange, brown, red, and occasionally blue or green; Luster: Resinous to greasy; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Specific gravity: 1.05 to 1.10 (floats in salt water)

Hardness: 2 to 2
Color: Yellow, orange, brown, red, and occasionally blue or green
Luster: Resinous to greasy

Identified August 1, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the fossilization of resin produced by ancient trees, primarily conifers and angiosperms, over millions of years (typically ranging from Eocene to Cretaceous periods, 10 to over 100 million years ago)

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, decorative ornaments, carving, and historically in folk medicine; scientifically crucial due to the exceptional preservation of prehistoric insects and flora inclusions

Geological facts

Amber is not a true mineral as it is of organic origin. Some pieces contain ancient insects, feathers, or air bubbles trapped millions of years ago, which inspired the science fiction plot of Jurassic Park

Field identification & locations

Found worldwide, notably in the Baltic region (Baltic amber/succinite), the Dominican Republic, and Myanmar. It can be identified by its warm touch, low density, resinous smell when rubbed or warmed, and electrostatic properties when rubbed with cloth