Organic Mineraloid and Mineral
Amber (and Citrine Quartz)
Succinite (Amber) and Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 (Amber) and 7.0 (Citrine). Color: Honey yellow to cognac brown. Luster: Resinous to Vitreous. Structure: Amorphous (Amber) vs Hexagonal (Citrine).
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Honey yellow to cognac brown
- Luster
- Resinous to Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0-2.5 (Amber) and 7.0 (Citrine). Color: Honey yellow to cognac brown. Luster: Resinous to Vitreous. Structure: Amorphous (Amber) vs Hexagonal (Citrine).
Formation & geological history
Amber is fossilized tree resin, primarily from the Eocene epoch (34-56 million years ago). Citrine quartz forms in hydro-thermal veins or through the heat treatment of amethyst.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry, beadwork, and decorative arts. Amber has also been used in traditional medicine and for scientific study of inclusions.
Geological facts
Amber often contains perfectly preserved 'inclusions' of insects or plant matter from millions of years ago, acting as a natural time capsule. Most 'citrine' in commercial jewelry is actually heat-treated amethyst.
Field identification & locations
Identify amber by its warmth to the touch and low density (it may float in salt water). Citrine can be identified by its color and 7.0 Mohs hardness which scratches glass.
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