fossil

Amber

Fossilized Tree Resin (Successite)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, orange, honey, or brownish; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in saltwater).

Hardness: 2
Color: Yellow, orange, honey, or brownish
Luster: Resinous

Identified July 5, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the fossilization of tree resin from extinct coniferous trees over millions of years (usually 30 to 90 million years old). Process involves polymerization of organic compounds under heat and pressure.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry, decorative arts, perfume manufacturing (amber oil), and scientific study for inclusions of ancient DNA or insects.

Geological facts

Unlike most gemstones, amber is organic. It can float in high-salinity water and will produce a static charge if rubbed with a cloth. Many specimens contain perfectly preserved prehistoric insects or plant matter.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its warm touch, low density, and static properties. Often found along the shores of the Baltic Sea and in the Dominican Republic. Collectors should perform the saltwater test to distinguish it from plastic.