gemstone

Polished amber cabochon

Amber (fossilized plant resin; chiefly carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with variable organic compounds)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness about 2–2.5; translucent honey- to dark-brown, resinous luster, amorphous structure, and no cleavage. The oval polished cabochon glows orange when backlit; the image alone cannot confirm whether it is natural amber or a lookalike.

Identified September 30, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when ancient tree resin was buried and chemically altered over millions of years; notable deposits span roughly 20–100 million years old, depending on locality.

Uses & applications

Used for jewelry, ornaments, and collectible specimens; historically also carved and used in decorative objects.

Geological facts

Amber is fossilized resin, not mineralized tree sap, and may preserve insects or plant fragments.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include the Baltic region, the Dominican Republic, and Myanmar. Amber is unusually lightweight and warm to the touch; static attraction and saltwater tests can help distinguish it, but are not definitive.