gemstone
Amber
Fossilized tree resin
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 2-2.5 on the Mohs scale, Color: Yellow, orange, brown, sometimes reddish or green, Luster: Resinous to greasy, Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline), Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in salt water)
- Hardness
- 2-2
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Amber in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 2-2.5 on the Mohs scale, Color: Yellow, orange, brown, sometimes reddish or green, Luster: Resinous to greasy, Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline), Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in salt water)
Formation & geological history
Formed from the fossilization of tree resin, typically originating from coniferous trees, over millions of years (often Cretaceous to Paleogene periods, ranging from 30 to over 100 million years ago).
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, decorative objects, and historically in traditional medicine.
Geological facts
Amber often preserves ancient insects, plant matter, and air bubbles, providing scientists with invaluable snapshots of prehistoric ecosystems.
Field identification & locations
Found in coastal regions where amber-bearing strata are eroded by the sea (such as the Baltic Sea region). Identified by its warm touch, low density, and ability to produce static electricity when rubbed.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone