gemstone

Polished amber

Fossilized tree resin (primarily organic polymerized diterpenes)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness about 2–2.5; translucent honey-brown to reddish-brown, resinous luster, amorphous/noncrystalline, conchoidal fracture, and very low density (about 1.05–1.10). The specimen appears tumbled and polished, with internal reflective flow textures or inclusions.

Identified September 18, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Amber forms when ancient conifer or flowering-plant resin polymerizes and matures during burial, commonly over millions to tens of millions of years; Baltic amber is chiefly Eocene, about 34–56 million years old. It is recovered from sedimentary deposits and coastal placer gravels.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and scientific study of inclusions; it is not a rock in the strict mineralogical sense because it is organic fossil resin.

Geological facts

Amber often becomes electrostatically charged when rubbed and may float in concentrated salt water. Genuine amber can contain plant fragments or insects, though this piece shows no clearly identifiable inclusion.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its unusually light weight, warm feel, resinous appearance, static charge, and ability to soften or produce a pine-like odor when carefully warmed; plastic imitations are heavier or behave differently. Major sources include the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, Myanmar, Mexico, and Indonesia.