Where is Amber found?
Amber
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Open the appAmber occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Amber
Baltic Sea Region
The most famous and prolific source, particularly along the coasts of Poland, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast), Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. Baltic amber (Succinite) is primarily Eocene in age.
Dominican Republic
Known for its clear amber, often with spectacular insect inclusions. Miocene in age, and distinct from Baltic amber in its botanical origin.
Mexico (Chiapas)
Produces amber similar to Dominican amber, also Miocene in age, with notable insect and plant inclusions.
Myanmar (Burma)
Burmite, primarily Cretaceous in age, is scientifically significant for its ancient inclusions, including dinosaurs and early birds. Often reddish-brown.
Canada (Alberta, Manitoba)
Cretaceous amber, often found in association with coal seams, providing insights into ancient North American ecosystems.
Collecting tips
- Saltwater Test. Amber has a low specific gravity (1.05-1.10) and will float in a saturated saltwater solution (approximately 2-3 tablespoons of salt per cup of water), whereas most imitations (glass, plastic) and copal will sink.
- Hot Needle Test. Carefully heat a needle and touch it to an inconspicuous spot on the specimen. Genuine amber will emit a faint, pleasant pine-like odor and the needle will leave a small, brittle mark. Plastic will smell like burning plastic, and glass will not be affected. Use caution to avoid damage.
- UV Light Test. Many types of amber, especially Baltic amber, will fluoresce a pale blue or greenish-yellow under shortwave or longwave UV light. Copal may show a weaker or different reaction, and plastics typically do not fluoresce in the same way.
- Rubbing Test. Rub the specimen vigorously on a soft cloth. Genuine amber will become electrostatically charged and attract small pieces of paper or dust. It will also emit a faint, resinous aroma when warmed by friction.
- Observe Inclusions. Natural inclusions in amber (insects, plant fragments) often appear lifelike and three-dimensional, sometimes with signs of struggle. Bubbles, if present, are typically irregular. In fakes, inclusions may look too perfect, or bubbles may be perfectly round.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Yellow, orange, brown, red (rarely green, blue)
- Luster:
- Resinous to waxy
- Streak:
- White (not typically performed due to softness)
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