mineraloid

Amber

Succinite (C10H16O)

Hardness: 2.0-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden yellow to honey orange; Luster: Resinous; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.09. It is lightweight and warm to the touch.

Hardness: 2
Color: Golden yellow to honey orange
Luster: Resinous

Identified June 21, 2026More mineraloid →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the fossilized resin of ancient coniferous trees, primarily during the Eocene epoch (approx. 34-56 million years ago). It is often found in sedimentary deposits associated with coal or ancient coastal regions.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in jewelry (beads, pendants), as a decorative gemstone, and historically in folk medicine. Scientific importance lies in preserving biological inclusions like insects and plant matter.

Geological facts

Amber is not a true mineral because it is organic and lacks a crystalline structure. Some pieces contain 'sun spangles' (internal circular fractures) or preserved prehistoric DNA within trapped organisms.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its low density (it can float in saturated saltwater), its ability to generate a static charge when rubbed with cloth, and its resinous smell when touched with a hot needle. Found prominently in the Baltic region and the Dominican Republic.