fossil

Baltic Amber

Succinite (fossilized resin)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-orange to golden-yellow; Luster: Resinous; Structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in salt water).

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

Identified July 11, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Fossilized tree resin from ancient coniferous forests, primarily dating to the Eocene epoch (approx. 44 million years ago). Found in the 'Blue Earth' sediment layers of the Sambia Peninsula and washed onto Baltic shores.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry (beads, pendants), decorative arts, and traditional folk medicine. Also historically used in lacquers and for scientific study of inclusions (insects, plants).

Geological facts

The location provided (54.9°N, 20.2°E) is in the Kaliningrad Oblast, the primary source for 90% of the world's amber. Baltic amber contains succinic acid, which is unique to this variety.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its warmth to the touch, ability to float in saturated salt water, and static charge when rubbed. It should not melt easily like copal but will emit a pine-needle scent when burned.