gemstone

Polished amber fragment

Amber (fossilized plant resin), chiefly polymerized diterpenoid resin

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent honey-yellow to brown with resinous luster, internal flow lines and possible inclusions; hardness about 2–2.5 Mohs, amorphous rather than crystalline, and very low density (~1.05–1.10). The triangular piece appears cut or naturally fractured and polished.

Identified August 31, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Amber formed when ancient tree resin was buried, chemically altered, and polymerized over millions of years, commonly during the Cretaceous–Neogene (roughly 145–2.6 million years ago). Major deposits occur in Baltic-region sediments, the Dominican Republic, Myanmar, Mexico, and Indonesia.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, carvings, ornaments, jewelry, and scientific inclusions; it is too soft for most construction or industrial applications.

Geological facts

Amber can become electrostatically charged when rubbed and often floats in salt water. Natural amber commonly shows irregular flow structure, whereas copal and plastic imitations are important look-alikes.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by low weight, warm resinous appearance, soft scratch response, and a pine-like odor when gently heated; avoid destructive testing. The specimen is most consistent with amber, though exact origin and authenticity require examination.