mineraloid

Amber

Succinates (C10H16O)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-yellow, orange, brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous;Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10

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

Identified June 16, 2026More mineraloid →

Explore Amber in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-yellow, orange, brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous;Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10

Formation & geological history

Formed through the polymerization of fossilized ancient tree resin, primarily from conifers, dating from the Carboniferous to the Pleistocene (typically 30-90 million years old).

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, decorative carvings, incense, and perfumes; highly valued by paleontologists for preserving prehistoric biological inclusions.

Geological facts

Amber is not a true mineral because it is organic and lacks a crystalline structure. It is famous for trapping insects, plant matter, and even small vertebrates mid-life.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its buoyancy in salt water and its electrostatic properties (it attracts light particles when rubbed). Commonly found in the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, and Myanmar.