Amber - What is it and how is it formed?

fossil of an ancient insect encased in a translucent piece of amber

Introduction

Amber is a fossilized resin that has solidified over millions of years and is preserved as a golden, translucent stone. It has been used in jewelry, decoration and as a commodity since ancient times and is known for its warm luster and sometimes for its embedded fossil remains of insects and plant parts.

The most common type of amber, succiniteAmber, found mainly around the Baltic Sea, has been a sought-after resource for thousands of years. Amber is often mistaken for a gemstone, but because it is organic, it is different from mineral-based gemstones.

In this article, we look at what amber is, how it is formed, where it can be found and its historical uses.

What is amber?

Amber is a resin which originated from trees, mainly conifers, that grew between 20 and 300 million years ago. When trees were damaged, they secreted resin that acted as a protective layer. Over time, this resin became buried under sediments, where, through high pressure and chemical processes, it solidified and turned into amber.

Amber is usually yellow to brown in color, but can also occur in red, green, blue, black and milky white hues. It is a light material, so pieces of amber often float in the sea and can wash up on beaches.

Properties of amber

  • Hardness: 2-3 on Mohs scale
  • Density: Approximately 1.05-1.10 g/cm³ (lighter than water with salt in it)
  • Color: Usually yellow to brown, but can also be red, black, green or blue
  • Combustibility: Burns at high temperature and emits an aromatic odor

Amber has a unique property - if rubbed against woolen fabrics, it can create a static charge and attract small particles such as dust and hairs. It is this property that gave rise to the word electricity, from the Greek name for amber, electron.

close-up of a polished amber with warm golden hue and natural inclusions

How is amber formed?

Amber is the result of a slow, natural process in which the resin of trees undergoes a fossilization process over millions of years. It is formed in several stages, with each phase helping to transform the sticky resin into the hard, translucent stone we know today.

1. resin is excreted from the tree

When trees are damaged, for example by insect attacks or storms, they secrete resin to protect themselves. This resin has an antiseptic function and acts as a natural defense against fungal attacks and insects.

2. The resin solidifies and is buried

Over time, the resin hardens and becomes more resistant. If the resin is covered by sediment or sand, it is protected from being broken down by the elements. It is at this stage that insects, pollen and plant parts sometimes get trapped in the resin and are preserved for millions of years.

3. fossilization by pressure and chemical processes

As the resin is buried deeper underground, it is exposed to increased pressure and temperature. Over millions of years, it undergoes a chemical transformation where volatiles evaporate and it becomes harder. This process is called polymerization and is what distinguishes real amber from younger resin, which is still soft and called copal.

4. amber is released by erosion and ocean currents

After millions of years, geological changes, such as land uplift and erosion, can bring amber to the surface. Many amber deposits are found in coastal areas because ocean waves can release amber that has been buried on the seabed and wash it up on beaches.

How long does it take for resin to become amber?

Research shows that fossil resin must be at least 20 million years old to be classified as amber. Younger resin, which is a few thousand or million years old, is instead called copal and is not yet fully fossilized.

Where can you find amber?

Amber is found in many parts of the world, but the most famous deposits are around the Baltic Sea. Amber has been washed up on the shores of countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Poland and Lithuania for thousands of years.

Amber in Sweden

In Sweden, amber can be found along the coasts, especially in Skåne and Gotland. After heavy storms, small pieces of amber can wash up on the beaches and be collected by searchers.

The world's largest sites

  • Baltic Sea Region (mainly Lithuania, Poland, Russia)
  • Dominican Republic
  • Burma (Burmite - one of the oldest forms of amber)
  • Mexico
  • Canada

How can you find amber?

Amber is lighter than many other minerals and often floats in salt water. A common way to find amber is to search along beaches after storms, when the movement of the sea may have released pieces from the seabed.

Colors and types of amber

Amber is best known for its warm, golden color, but it comes in several different shades depending on its chemical composition and origin. The colour variations are due to various mineral impurities and air bubbles trapped during the fossilization process.

Common colors of amber

  • Yellow and golden amber - The most common type, often transparent or semi-transparent.
  • Brown amber - Often more opaque and occurs in older deposits.
  • Red amber - A rarer variant that occurs through oxidation.
  • Black amber - Mostly composed of fossil wood and is a denser form of amber.
  • Green amber - A rare type that contains organic compounds.
  • Blue amber - Very rare and occurs mainly in the Dominican Republic.

Different types of amber

Amber is often classified according to its geographical origin and chemical composition. Here are some of the best known types:

  • Succinite - The most common and valuable amber, found around the Baltic Sea.
  • burmite - One of the oldest varieties of amber, it comes from Burma and is known for its insect inclusions.
  • copal - A younger form of fossil resin that is not yet fully fossilized.
  • Dominican amber - Known for its blue and greenish hues, unique to the Caribbean.
a person holds up a large piece of amber to the sun, revealing its inner structure and air bubbles

Historical use of amber

Amber has been used by humans for thousands of years, both as jewelry and in religious and medicinal contexts. Finds of amber jewelry have been dated back to the Stone Age, and in ancient times amber was considered to have magical and healing properties.

Even today, crystals and gemstones are associated with astrology and personal energy. If you are interested in learning more about how crystals interact with different zodiac signs, you can read our guide on crystals and their connection to zodiac signs.

Amber in the Stone Age

Already in the Neolithic period (around 4000 BC), jewelry was made from amber. Archaeological evidence shows that amber was often used to make beads and amulets. During this time, it is believed to have had a symbolic meaning and was used in ceremonies and as protection against evil forces.

Amber in the Roman Empire

In Roman times, amber became a luxury item and an important commodity. Roman emperors imported large quantities of amber from the Baltic region and used it to make jewelry, sculptures and decorations. Due to the high demand, the value of amber rose sharply.

Viking Age amber crafts

During the Viking Age, amber was widely used in the Nordic countries. The Vikings made jewelry and amulets from amber, and it was a popular export. Many amber objects have been found in Viking graves, indicating that the stone had both economic and religious significance.

Is amber a precious stone?

Amber is often considered a gemstone, but technically it is a fossilized resin rather than a mineral. Unlike traditional gemstones such as diamonds and sapphires, amber is made up of organic material, making it unique among jewelry materials.

Amber hardness and properties

  • Degree of hardness: 2-3 on the Mohs scale (significantly softer than other gemstones).
  • Weight: Lighter than many mineral-based gemstones.
  • Static electricity: Can be charged by friction and attract small objects.

How to distinguish real and fake amber?

Because amber is popular in jewelry making, imitation and synthetic alternatives have become common. Here are some ways to determine if amber is genuine:

  • Salt water test: Real amber floats in salt water while plastic sinks.
  • UV light: Real amber fluoresces under UV light while many imitations do not.
  • Burning test: If you gently heat amber, it gives off a sweet scent, while plastic smells chemical.
several pieces of raw amber of different colors, scattered on a sandy beach after a storm

Care advice for amber

To preserve the luster and quality of amber, it is important to take proper care of it. Because amber is relatively soft, it can be easily scratched and damaged by chemicals.

How to clean amber

  • Clean with lukewarm water and a mild soap.
  • Use a soft cloth to wipe the amber.
  • Avoid using alcohol, perfume or hairspray near amber.
  • Store amber in a soft cloth bag to avoid scratches.

What to avoid

  • Exposure to strong sunlight for long periods can cause amber to crack.
  • Contact with acids and chemicals can dissolve the outer surface.
  • Rough handling can cause cracks or damage.

Conclusion

Amber is a unique and fascinating fossil that has played an important role in history, from the Stone Age to modern jewelry. With its warm colors, historical significance and unique properties, it is a prized stone in both science and jewelry making. By understanding how amber is formed, where it is found and how to care for it, we can preserve its beauty for future generations.