gemstone

Polished amber inclusion specimen

Amber (fossilized plant resin), commonly succinite; organic mineraloid

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent honey-brown to orange material with glossy polish and apparent internal bubbles or inclusions; Mohs hardness about 2–2.5, resinous luster, amorphous (noncrystalline), and specific gravity about 1.05–1.10. The rounded shape indicates tumbling or polishing.

Identified September 5, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Amber formed when ancient conifer or flowering-plant resin was buried, chemically altered, and fossilized over millions of years, commonly during the Cretaceous–Tertiary (roughly 145–2.6 million years ago). The exact locality and whether the inclusions are natural cannot be confirmed from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for jewelry, carvings, ornaments, scientific study, and collector specimens; pieces with verified insects or plants can be highly prized.

Geological facts

Amber can float in concentrated salt water and becomes electrostatic when rubbed. Copal, younger incompletely fossilized resin, is a common look-alike.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its very low density, warm feel, softness, resinous smell when gently warmed, and static charge; avoid destructive tests. Major sources include the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Myanmar, and Indonesia.