Gemstone profile and identification guide
Amber
Amber is fossilized tree resin used as an organic gemstone and archaeological material.
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Overview
Amber is fossilized tree resin used as an organic gemstone and archaeological material.
Did you know? Baltic amber has been traded across Europe since prehistoric times via amber trade routes.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Amber
Scientific classification: Organic Gem Material (Fossil Resin)
Hardness: 2.25 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: resinous
Crystal system: Amorphous
Primary colour: Honey
Secondary colour: Orange
Colour family: Oranges & Yellows
Low SG, resinous lustre, UV fluorescence, and warm feel help separate amber from many imitations.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: soft
Hardness value: 2.25 Mohs
Chemical composition: Fossilized tree resin (complex organic polymers)
Crystal system: Amorphous
Common locations: Baltic region (Poland, Lithuania, Russia), Dominican Republic, Mexico, Myanmar
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Yellow to orange-brown fossil resin, from transparent to opaque.
Optical effects: Fluorescence
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Fossil resin
Mineral group: Organic gem material
Chemical formula: Fossilized tree resin (complex organic polymers)
Mohs hardness: 2.25
Crystal system: Amorphous
Lustre: resinous
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 1.05-1.10
Refractive index: 1.539-1.545
Optical phenomena: Fluorescence (often blue to green under UV, source-dependent)
Colour range: Pale yellow to deep orange-brown
Common inclusions: Plant debris, insects, gas bubbles, flow structures
Geological environment: Sedimentary deposits containing fossil resin-bearing horizons
Principal mining regions: Baltic region (Poland, Lithuania, Russia), Dominican Republic, Mexico, Myanmar
Important commercial sources: The Baltic region is the dominant commercial source, with additional important material from Dominican and Mexican deposits
Historical significance: Major historical trade material and source of archaeological inclusions.
Common treatments: Heat clarification, pressing/reconstruction, and dyeing are common.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Copal, pressed amber, plastic, and glass are common imitations.
Common look-alikes: Copal, celluloid/plastic, glass
Jewellery uses: Used in beads, carvings, cabochons, and collector inclusions.
Care recommendations: Very soft and heat-sensitive; avoid solvents, perfumes, high heat, and ultrasonic cleaning.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Amber.
Formation
Resin exuded by ancient trees polymerizes and fossilizes over geologic time in sedimentary environments.
Origin
The Baltic region is the dominant commercial source, with additional important material from Dominican and Mexican deposits
Uses
Best for: Used in beads, carvings, cabochons, and collector inclusions.
Ideal uses: Light-wear jewellery and collector pieces, especially inclusion-bearing specimens.
Care
Very soft and heat-sensitive; avoid solvents, perfumes, high heat, and ultrasonic cleaning.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
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Commonly confused gemstones
Amber FAQ
How can I identify Amber?
Compare hardness (2.25 Mohs), crystal system (Amorphous), colour profile, and lustre (resinous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Amber appear in?
Yellow to orange-brown fossil resin, from transparent to opaque.
Where is Amber commonly used?
Light-wear jewellery and collector pieces, especially inclusion-bearing specimens.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.