gemstone
Amber
Fossilized tree resin
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 2-2.5 on the Mohs scale, warm yellow-brown color, resinous luster, amorphous crystal structure, and a low specific gravity that floats in saltwater.
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Physical properties
Hardness 2-2.5 on the Mohs scale, warm yellow-brown color, resinous luster, amorphous crystal structure, and a low specific gravity that floats in saltwater.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the fossilization of ancient tree resin, primarily from conifers, over millions of years spanning the Cretaceous to Paleogene periods.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, decorative carvings, and for preserving prehistoric inclusions like insects for scientific study.
Geological facts
Amber can sometimes contain perfectly preserved ancient insects and plant fragments that provide a window into prehistoric ecosystems.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its warm touch, low density, and static electricity generated when rubbed with cloth; commonly found in the Baltic region and the Dominican Republic.
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