mineral

Amber

Succinite (Resin C10H16O)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-yellow, orange, or reddish-brown; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10 (very light, floats in salt water).

Hardness: 2
Color: Honey-yellow, orange, or reddish-brown
Luster: Resinous

Identified February 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the fossilization of tree resin from extinct coniferous trees, primarily during the Eocene epoch (approx. 34-56 million years ago), often found in marine sedimentary deposits.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used in jewelry (beads, pendants), as a healing stone in folk medicine, and for scientific research when it contains preserved prehistoric inclusions.

Geological facts

Amber is organic matter, not a true mineral. It is famous for trapping 'inclusions' like prehistoric insects, feathers, and plant matter, providing a unique 'window' into the past.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its warmth to the touch (unlike cold stone) and its ability to float in a saturated salt solution. Commonly found along the Baltic Sea coast and in the Dominican Republic.