fossil

Amber

Succiniferous fossil resin (C10H16O)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey yellow, orange, or brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Light and warm to the touch.

Hardness: 2
Color: Honey yellow, orange, or brown
Luster: Resinous

Identified July 5, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey yellow, orange, or brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Light and warm to the touch.

Formation & geological history

Fossilized tree resin from ancient forests, primarily Coniferous or Angiosperm trees, dating back 30 to 90 million years.

Uses & applications

Historically used for jewelry, incense, and ornamentation. Highly valued in paleontology for preserving prehistoric inclusions.

Geological facts

Amber is often found with prehistoric insects or plants trapped inside. The oldest amber dates back to the Carboniferous period, about 320 million years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its low density (it floats in saturated salt water) and static charge when rubbed. Found in coastal areas like the Baltic Sea or in mines in the Dominican Republic.