gemstone

Polished amber (likely copal or amber)

Amber: fossilized plant resin, chiefly polymerized diterpenes; copal is younger, partially polymerized resin

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent honey-orange to reddish-brown, resinous luster, amorphous/noncrystalline, Mohs hardness about 2–2.5 for amber (copal about 1.5–2.0), very low density (~1.05–1.10). The rough, bubbly surface and vivid translucency are consistent with resin rather than crystalline mineral.

Identified August 17, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished amber (likely copal or amber)
Scientific name: Amber: fossilized plant resin, chiefly polymerized diterpenes; copal is younger, partially polymerized resin
Category: gemstone
Identified: August 17, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common polished piece; $50–$500+ for fine natural amber, and considerably more for attractive 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 accumulated in sediment and polymerized over roughly 2–less than 100 million years; true amber is generally tens of millions of years old, whereas copal is much younger. Common deposits occur in sedimentary basins around the Baltic region, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Myanmar, and Colombia.

Uses & applications

Used for carvings, beads, cabochons, ornaments, and jewelry; historically used as incense and varnish. Amber with insects, unusual color, or strong natural clarity can be especially desirable.

Geological facts

Amber floats in concentrated salt water and becomes electrostatically charged when rubbed. It softens with heat and may smell resinous; copal usually melts or becomes tacky more readily than mature amber.

Field identification & locations

Identify by low density, warm resin odor when gently warmed, softness, and absence of crystal cleavage; avoid destructive tests on a finished piece. The image may show copal rather than fully fossilized amber.