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Amber

Last updated: April 2026

Fossilized tree resin; low density and organic inclusions distinguish it from glass and copal. Baltic amber fluoresces strong blue to bluish-white under LW UV. Dominican and Mexican amber show vivid sky-blue LW fluorescence. Burmese (Burmite) amber tends toward green or yellow fluorescence.

Amber has a specific gravity of 1.08 and a refractive index of 1.539–1.545, with a Mohs hardness of 2.0–2.5. It is singly refractive.

Physical & Optical Properties

RI Range1.539–1.545
SG Range1.05–1.09
SG Typical1.08
Hardness (Mohs)2–2.5
Crystal SystemAmorphous
Optic CharacterSR (Singly Refractive)
Dispersion0.000
Fluorescence LWStrong blue
Fluorescence SWModerate Blue White
Chelsea FilterInert
PleochroismNone
ColorsYellow Orange, Brown, Red Pink, Green, Blue Violet
SpeciesOrganic
Yellow OrangeBrownRed PinkGreenBlue Violet

CoralIvoryPearl

Key Differentiators

Treatments

Price Context

Natural — low ($/ct)$5
Natural — high ($/ct)$100
NotePer carat; Baltic amber standard; specimens with insect inclusions command significant premiums

Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.

Measurement Guides

How to Identify a GemstoneHow to Measure Specific GravityHow to Use a RefractometerUV Fluorescence Testing

Identifying an amber? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.

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Studying for the GIA, FGA, or FEEG practical? Amber is one of the 130 species in GemID’s drill and exam pool — practice identifying it from its measured properties under timed exam conditions.

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