fossil

Amber

Succinite (Fossilized Tree Resin)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Honey-yellow, orange-brown, or reddish-brown. Luster: Resinoid to vitreous. Crystal Structure: Amorphous. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in salty water).

Hardness: 2
Color: Honey-yellow, orange-brown, or reddish-brown
Luster: Resinoid to vitreous

Identified July 22, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the fossilization of plant resin from prehistoric trees (primarily conifers) over tens of millions of years through polymerization and burial under sedimentary layers.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in jewelry, ornamental carvings, incense production, and scientific research when preserved organic inclusions (insects, plant matter) are present.

Geological facts

Because it is fossilized resin, amber can trap ancient insects, feathers, and plant matter, offering a preserved window into prehistoric ecosystems. It generates static electricity when rubbed with a cloth.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its low density, warm tactile feel, and capability to float in a saturated saltwater solution. Common localities include the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, Myanmar, and Mexico.