gemstone

Polished amber (likely natural amber)

Fossilized tree resin; predominantly amorphous organic hydrocarbons

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Honey- to orange-brown, translucent, resinous luster, with no crystal structure or cleavage; Mohs hardness about 2–2.5 and low specific gravity. The rounded, polished surface may obscure inclusions or treatments.

Identified October 16, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Tree resin buried in sediment and altered by oxidation, pressure, and time into copal or amber, often over millions of years. The image alone cannot establish its age or verify that it is natural amber rather than imitation.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, pendants, carvings, and decorative objects; scientific inclusions can preserve ancient organisms.

Geological facts

Amber is organic fossil resin, not a mineral; authentic pieces are unusually lightweight and may contain trapped plant matter or insects.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include the Baltic region, the Dominican Republic, and Myanmar. Check for natural inclusions and low weight; visual identification alone is inconclusive, and heat or solvent tests can damage the piece.