gemstone

Amber

Fossilized tree resin (Amorphous organic polymer)

Hardness: 2-2.5 on the Mohs scale, Color: Yellow, orange, brown, sometimes reddish or greenish, Luster: Resinous to greasy, Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline), Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (often floats in saltwater)

Hardness: 2-2

Identified August 1, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the fossilized resin of ancient trees, predominantly conifers and flowering plants, undergoing polymerization over millions of years (typically ranging from 10 to over 300 million years old, such as Eocene or Cretaceous epochs).

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, decorative ornaments, carved objects, and occasionally in scientific research due to trapped inclusions like insects and plant matter.

Geological facts

Amber is not technically a mineral because it is of biological origin, classifying it as an organic gemstone. It can preserve ancient life forms with astonishing detail.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its low specific gravity, warm touch, pleasant pine-like scent when rubbed or heated, and static electricity generated when rubbed against cloth. Commonly found in the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, and Myanmar.

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