Amber

Amber is fossilized tree resin that has hardened over millions of years. It is organic, not a mineral, and forms when resin exuded by ancient trees becomes buried and undergoes polymerization and diagenetic changes. Amber can preserve inclusions such as insects, plant material, and other small organisms, providing rare insights into past ecosystems.

Amber occurs in a range of colors, most commonly yellow to orange, but it can appear red, brown, or even green. It is typically translucent to transparent and has a conchoidal fracture. The most widely known varieties include Baltic amber (succinite), Dominican amber, and Burmese amber, each associated with different geological ages and faunas. Baltic amber is notable for its high succinic acid content, which has been used as a diagnostic feature.

Geologically, amber deposits span a broad temporal range. Baltic amber is Late Cretaceous to Eocene in age, with the majority dating to the Eocene, while Dominican amber is Miocene to Pliocene and Burmese amber is Cretaceous. Inclusions can range from ancient insects and spiders to plant fragments and microfossils, making amber an important source for paleobiology and paleoecology.

Uses of amber include ornamental jewelry and decorative objects, with a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. It has also been used in traditional medicines and varnishes. Substances such as copal, a younger resin, and synthetic plastics are sometimes sold as amber imitations. The term amber is linked etymologically to the Greek elektron, reflecting its historical association with static electricity when rubbed.