mineral

Amber

Succinite (fossilized resin)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to honey-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (very light, floats in salt water).

Hardness: 2
Color: Yellow to honey-brown
Luster: Resinous

Identified April 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the fossilization of tree resin from coniferous trees. This organic substance undergoes polymerization and loses volatile components over millions of years, typically dating from the Cretaceous to early Tertiary periods.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry, as decorative gemstones, in perfumes, and for scientific research due to its ability to preserve biological inclusions like insects.

Geological facts

Amber is organic, not a true mineral. It is famous for capturing prehistoric life in high detail. Baltic amber is the most common variety, dating back about 44 million years.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its light weight, warmth to the touch (unlike cold stone), and the fact that it static charges when rubbed with a cloth. Common in the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, and Myanmar.