gemstone

Amber

Succinite (Fossilized Resin)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey yellow to orange-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (very light, can float in saltwater).

Hardness: 2
Color: Honey yellow to orange-brown
Luster: Resinous

Identified July 19, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey yellow to orange-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (very light, can float in saltwater).

Formation & geological history

Formed through the fossilization of tree resin from extinct coniferous forests, typically dating back 30 to 90 million years (Cenozoic or Mesozoic eras).

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry, as decorative carvings, and as a source for medicinal research or perfumery (amber oil). It is also highly valued by paleontologists when it contains inclusions.

Geological facts

Amber is not a mineral but an organic gemstone. It is famous for trapping prehistoric insects, plant matter, and even small vertebrates, preserving them in exquisite detail for millions of years.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its light weight compared to stone and its warmth to the touch; it will generate static electricity when rubbed with cloth. Often found along the shores of the Baltic Sea or in coal mines.