Organic Gemstone

Amber (Cherry Amber)

Succinite (C10H16O)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Deep ruby red to dark cherry. Luster: Resinous to vitreous. Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline). Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in salt water).

Hardness: 2
Color: Deep ruby red to dark cherry
Luster: Resinous to vitreous

Identified March 15, 2026More organic gemstone →

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: Deep ruby red to dark cherry. Luster: Resinous to vitreous. Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline). Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in salt water).

Formation & geological history

Formed from the fossilized resin of ancient coniferous trees (Pinus succinifera). Most specimens date back to the Eocene epoch (approx. 44 million years ago), typically found in marine sedimentary deposits.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (beads, pendants), prayer beads (misbaha/tasbih), decorative arts, and traditional folk medicine. Historically used as incense.

Geological facts

Cherry amber is often naturally occurring but is frequently enhanced via heat treatment (autoclaving) to darken the color. It can contain inclusions of ancient plant matter or insects trapped millions of years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its warmth to the touch (unlike glass), ability to float in saturated salt water, and static electricity properties when rubbed. Commonly sourced from the Baltic Sea region (Poland, Lithuania, Russia).