gemstone

Tumbled amber (likely copal or imitation amber)

Amber: fossilized tree resin, chiefly polymerized diterpenes; copal is younger, incompletely polymerized resin

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Honey-yellow, translucent, resinous luster with conchoidal fracture and no cleavage; Mohs hardness about 2–2.5 for amber and 1.5–2 for copal, specific gravity about 1.05–1.10. The rounded, glossy appearance indicates tumbling or polishing.

Identified September 7, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled amber (likely copal or imitation amber)
Scientific name: Amber: fossilized tree resin, chiefly polymerized diterpenes; copal is younger, incompletely polymerized resin
Category: gemstone
Identified: September 7, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$20 for a common tumbled piece; $50–$500+ if natural amber is large, clear, or contains a genuine insect inclusion.

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

Amber forms when ancient conifer or flowering-plant resin is buried, polymerized, and preserved over millions of years; major deposits are Oligocene Baltic amber (~34–23 million years old) and younger Cretaceous deposits. Copal is generally younger than a few million years.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and scientific inclusions; fine transparent amber with insects can be valuable. Copal and plastic imitations are common substitutes.

Geological facts

Amber floats in saturated salt water and commonly becomes electrostatic when rubbed; heating produces a pine-like odor. The image alone cannot reliably distinguish amber from copal, resin, or plastic.

Field identification & locations

Check low density, warm tactile feel, salt-water flotation, UV fluorescence, and a concealed hot-needle test; avoid destructive testing on valuable pieces. Common sources include the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Myanmar, and Indonesia.