Amber: It's Basic Properties

Amber is a fossilized tree resin that has been preserved for millions of years. It is a type of organic gemstone, and is known for its unique properties and beauty. Some of the properties of amber include:

1. Color: Amber can range in color from yellow to orange to brown, and can also be found in shades of red and green.

2. Transparency: Amber is often transparent or semi-transparent, and can have inclusions of small insects, plants, or other debris that were trapped in the resin when it was still in a liquid state.

3. Hardness: Amber is relatively soft and has a Mohs hardness of 2 to 2.5, which means it can be easily scratched or damaged.

4. Thermal conductivity: Amber has a low thermal conductivity, meaning it does not conduct heat well.

5. Electrical conductivity: Amber is a poor conductor of electricity and is considered an insulator.

6. Fluorescence: Some amber will fluoresce (glow) under ultraviolet light.

7. Healing properties: Amber is believed by some to have healing properties, and is often used in alternative medicine for a variety of ailments.

8. Age: Amber is formed from the resin of trees that lived millions of years ago, and can be used to study the flora and fauna of the past.

9. Uses: Amber is used in a variety of applications, including jewelry, ornamental objects, and as an ingredient in perfumes and other products.

   
   

Yellow Mexican Amber:

Dominican amber with insects inside: A termite and a mosquito

A dominican amber insect inclusion

A baltic amber bracelet

A baltic amber bracelet