gemstone

Tumbled amber

Fossilized plant resin; commonly succinite (organic polymerized resin)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness about 2–2.5; translucent honey-yellow to orange-brown, resinous luster, very low density, amorphous rather than crystalline, with conchoidal fracture and no cleavage. The rounded, polished appearance indicates human processing.

Identified September 21, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Amber formed when ancient trees exuded resin that was buried, polymerized, and preserved over roughly 2–100 million years, depending on deposit. Major sources include Baltic-region Paleogene deposits, the Dominican Republic, Myanmar, Mexico, and Indonesia.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and historical perfume or medicinal objects; it is valued more as an organic gemstone than as an industrial material.

Geological facts

Amber can float in salt water and becomes electrostatically charged when rubbed. Warm-needle testing may produce a pine-like odor, but it can damage the specimen and is not recommended.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its very light weight, warm feel, resinous appearance, occasional bubbles or inclusions, and static charge; distinguish common copal by its softer, younger resin and greater solubility. Typical tumbled pieces sell for $5–$30; clear, inclusion-rich, or large specimens may range from $50 to several hundred dollars.