ámbar

Amber is fossilized tree resin that has hardened over millions of years. It forms when resin escapes from ancient trees, is buried and preserved, and undergoes polymerization and dehydration to become durable stone. The result is a hard, often translucent material that can range in color from pale yellow to deep orange or brown.

Amber commonly occurs with inclusions, such as trapped insects, plant fragments, or air bubbles. These inclusions preserve microscopic details and provide valuable information about ancient ecosystems, climates, and environments.

Geologically, the best-known amber comes from the Baltic region and is often referred to as succinite. Other important sources include the Dominican Republic, Myanmar (Burmese amber), and Mexico. The age of amber varies by deposit, with Baltic amber dating to the Eocene and other deposits spanning from the Cretaceous to the Miocene.

Historically and culturally, amber has been used for jewelry, carvings, and decorative objects since ancient times. It also yielded succinic acid, which was once used in medicine and industry. Today, amber remains prized for its beauty and its scientific value, particularly for the study of prehistoric life through inclusions.

Distinguishing amber from younger resins such as copal and from synthetic resins often requires closer examination, including microscopic analysis of inclusions, color, and fluorescence under light. Amber’s appearance and provenance—together with characteristic inclusions—help determine its origin and age.