mineral

Amber

Succinite (a common variety of fossilized resin)

Hardness: 2.0–2.5 Mohs; Color: Brownish-orange, honey-yellow; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 1.05–1.10.

Hardness: 2
Color: Brownish-orange, honey-yellow
Luster: Resinous

Identified April 12, 2026More mineral →

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 Mohs; Color: Brownish-orange, honey-yellow; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 1.05–1.10.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the fossilization of tree resin over millions of years (typically 30–90 million years old). Once the resin is buried in sediment, it undergoes polymerisation and heating to become copal and eventually amber.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used in jewelry, decorative arts, and as a source of succinic acid. It is highly valued by paleontologists when it contains inclusions like ancient insects or plant matter.

Geological facts

Amber is organic, not a mineral in the strict sense. If rubbed with a cloth, it can become electrostatically charged. Inclusions of prehistoric DNA (preserved in organisms inside) were the inspiration for the 'Jurassic Park' series.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its light weight (it can float in saltwater) and resinous warmth to the touch compared to stone. Common in the Baltic region and Dominican Republic. Testing with a hot needle will release a pine-like smell.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral