gemstone

Polished amber

Fossilized plant resin; primarily organic terpenoid compounds (succinite when Baltic-type)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Honey-brown to reddish-brown, translucent, resinous luster, amorphous rather than crystalline; Mohs hardness about 2–2.5, very low density (~1.05–1.10), and no cleavage. The rounded glossy surface indicates a polished or tumbled specimen.

Identified September 3, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Amber forms when ancient tree resin is buried, chemically altered, and hardened over millions of years; many commercial pieces date from the Cretaceous to Paleogene, especially Baltic Eocene deposits (~34–56 million years old).

Uses & applications

Used for jewelry, carvings, ornaments, incense, and scientific study of trapped inclusions; this small polished piece has modest decorative and collector value.

Geological facts

Amber can float in saturated salt water and becomes electrostatic when rubbed; it may soften or smell resinous when gently warmed, unlike most minerals.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Warm translucent color, low weight, resinous feel, and static attraction help distinguish it from glass or plastic.