gemstone

Amber

Fossilized plant resin; primarily organic terpenoid compounds (not a mineral)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small translucent honey-brown, resinous-luster specimen with conchoidal fracture; Mohs hardness about 2–2.5 and specific gravity about 1.05–1.10. It is lightweight, warm to the touch, and may contain flow lines or inclusions.

Identified August 16, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Amber forms when ancient tree resin is buried, polymerized, and chemically altered over millions of years, commonly during the Cretaceous to Neogene. This specimen may be Baltic or another regional amber, but locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and scientific study of trapped inclusions; clear pieces with insects are especially prized.

Geological facts

Amber is easily scratched and can produce a pine-like scent when gently warmed; genuine amber often floats in concentrated salt water and becomes electrostatic when rubbed.

Field identification & locations

Common deposits occur around the Baltic Sea, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Field tests should be nondestructive when possible; plastic imitations are heavier, harder, or lack natural flow textures.