gemstone

Amber

Succinite (Fossilized Tree Resin)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Honey-yellow, orange, brown, reddish-gold. Luster: Resinoid to vitreous. Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline). Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in saltwater).

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

Identified July 26, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from fossilized plant resins exudated by ancient coniferous trees millions of years ago (typically Cretaceous to Paleogene periods, ~30-90 million years old). Over time, volatile terpenes evaporate, leading to polymerization and fossilization.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry, decorative carvings, beads, perfume industry ingredients (amber oil), and scientific studies of preserved ancient organic inclusions (insects, flora).

Geological facts

Amber is warm to the touch and can acquire a static electric charge when rubbed with a cloth. It frequently preserves prehistoric insects, feathers, and plant matter with extraordinary cellular detail.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its low density, resinous feel, warm temperature, and ability to float in a saturated saltwater solution. Major sources include the Baltic region (Kaliningrad, Poland), Dominican Republic, Myanmar, and Mexico.