gemstone

Amber

Fossilized Tree Resin

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 Mohs; Color: Honey yellow to orange; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (very light, floats in salt water)

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

Identified July 4, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 Mohs; Color: Honey yellow to orange; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (very light, floats in salt water)

Formation & geological history

Formed through the fossilization of resin from extinct coniferous and deciduous trees over millions of years (commonly 30-90 million years old) through polymerization under heat and pressure.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry, decorative carvings, and as a component in perfumes/folk medicine. Highly valued by scientists for preserved inclusions.

Geological facts

Amber is one of the few organic gemstones. It is known for perfectly preserving prehistoric insects and plant matter. The famous 'Amber Room' in Russia was a chamber decorated in amber panels.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its weight—it is much lighter than glass or stone. It produces a static charge when rubbed with a cloth and smells like pine when heated with a needle. Commonly found in the Baltic region and Dominican Republic.