Amber

Physical Properties

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 Mohs; Color: Honey-yellow, orange, reddish-brown, dark brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal system: Amorphous; Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.10.

Formation & Geological History

Formed from the fossilization of resin from extinct coniferous and some angiosperm trees. It undergoes polymerization over millions of years, typically dating from the Cretaceous to the Neogene periods.

Uses & Applications

Used primarily in jewelry making (beads, cabochons), as an ingredient in perfumes, in traditional medicine, and as a medium for preserving prehistoric biological inclusions (fossils).

Geological Facts

Amber is not a stone but a fossilized resin. Some specimens contain perfectly preserved insects, plants, or even small vertebrates. It is famous for its electrostatic properties; the word ‘electricity’ comes from the Greek word for amber, ‘elektron’.

Field Identification & Locations

Identify in the field by its light weight (it often floats in saltwater) and resinous luster. It feels warm to the touch compared to glass or stone. Collectors look for clarity and inclusions, such as insects or plant matter.

Identified on: 4/18/2026

Mode: Standard