gemstone

Polished amber (likely copal or amber)

Fossilized tree resin; amber is predominantly polymerized diterpenoid resin, while copal is younger, incompletely polymerized resin

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent honey-orange, resinous/waxy luster, amorphous rather than crystalline, Mohs hardness about 2–2.5 (copal ~1.5–2.5), specific gravity ~1.05–1.10. The rounded, polished form and warm color are consistent with amber or copal, though image-only identification cannot distinguish them reliably.

Identified September 13, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished amber (likely copal or amber)
Scientific name: Fossilized tree resin; amber is predominantly polymerized diterpenoid resin, while copal is younger, incompletely polymerized resin
Category: gemstone
Identified: September 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$5-$50 for a small common polished piece; substantially more if confirmed amber with notable inclusions

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Plant resin buried in sediment and polymerized over millions of years; true amber is generally older than ~1–2 million years, while copal is younger. Major deposits occur in the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Myanmar, and Indonesia.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and historical jewelry; also collected for inclusions such as insects. It has little industrial use beyond decorative and cultural objects.

Geological facts

Amber is organic, not a mineral, and often floats in concentrated salt water. Genuine amber commonly becomes electrically charged when rubbed and burns with a resinous odor.

Field identification & locations

Check for very low hardness, light weight, electrostatic charging, and a resinous smell when gently warmed; avoid destructive tests on valuable pieces. Common polished specimens sell for about $5–$50; exceptional natural amber with inclusions can exceed $100–$1,000.