mineral

Amber

Succinite (C10H16O)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: honey-yellow, brown, or orange; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (organic polymer); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.09 (floats in saltwater)

Hardness: 2
Color: honey-yellow, brown, or orange
Luster: Resinous

Identified April 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the fossilization of tree resin from extinct coniferous trees, primarily during the Paleogene or Cretaceous periods (approx. 30-90 million years ago).

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry (beads, pendants), as a source of amber acid (succinic acid), and in scientific research for preserved biological inclusions (insects/plants).

Geological facts

Amber is not a true mineral because it is organic and lacks a crystalline structure. It is famous for trapping prehistoric organisms in 'suspended animation' for millions of years.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its light weight (warm to the touch) and its ability to float in a saturated salt solution. Primarily found in the Baltic region and the Dominican Republic.