Amber

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Yellow to orange-red; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in salt water)

Fossilized tree resin from ancient coniferous trees, primarily dating back to the Eocene epoch (approx. 30-50 million years ago), formed through polymerization and high pressure over millions of years.

Predominantly used in jewelry, decorative arts, and as a source for fossil inclusions (paleontology). It is also used in traditional medicine and perfumes.

Amber is not a true mineral because it is organic and lacks a crystalline structure. Famous specimens often contain perfectly preserved insects or plant matter trapped by the sticky resin millions of years ago.

Identification involves the 'salt water test' (amber floats in heavily salted water while plastic sinks) and the 'static charge test' (rubbing amber with silk creates a static charge that attracts small bits of paper). Common locations include the Baltic Sea region and the Dominican Republic.