gemstone
Amber
Fossilized tree resin
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness is 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from yellow and orange to brown, featuring a resinous luster and amorphous crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness is 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from yellow and orange to brown, featuring a resinous luster and amorphous crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the fossilization of tree resin, typically originating from coniferous trees during the Cretaceous to Tertiary periods.
Uses & applications
Used widely in jewelry, decorative items, and for preserving ancient inclusions of insects and plant matter for scientific study.
Geological facts
Amber can sometimes float in saltwater and becomes electrostatically charged when rubbed with cloth, a property noted by ancient Greeks.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its warm touch, low specific gravity, and characteristic pine scent when heated. Commonly found in the Baltic region and the Dominican Republic.
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