mineraloid

Amber

Succinite (a fossilized organic resin containing succinic acid)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: honey-yellow, orange, reddish-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10 (floats in saltwater).

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

Identified March 29, 2026More mineraloid →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the fossilization of tree resin over millions of years (commonly from conifers). The polymerization and cross-linking of resin molecules occur under pressure and heat within sedimentary layers, typically dating from the Cretaceous to the Paleogene periods.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (beads, pendants), as a gemstone, and for artistic carvings. It is also of extreme importance to paleontologists for preserving prehistoric biological inclusions (insects, plants).

Geological facts

Amber is not a stone but a fossilized organic substance. Some of the oldest amber dates back over 300 million years. If rubbed with a cloth, it can become electrostatically charged, a property known since ancient Greece.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its weight (extremely light) and warmth to the touch compared to glass/stone. In the field, look for it in sedimentary deposits or washed up on coastlines. High-quality pieces of 'Burmite' or 'Baltic Amber' are most sought after by collectors.

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Amber

Succinite (Organic Mineraloid)

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