Amber is fossilized tree resin, technically a mineraloid (organic, non-crystalline), but treated as a gem mineral by tradition since antiquity. The Baltic, Burmese (Myanmar) and Dominican deposits are world-famous; Liaoning Fushun is the Chinese flagship locality.
Properties
- Formula: C10H16O + variable S (succinic acid framework in Baltic)
- Crystal system: Amorphous
- Hardness: 2 – 2.5
- Color: Honey-yellow, golden, orange, red, green, blue (rare), black
- Streak: White
- Luster: Resinous
- Cleavage: None
- Density: 1.05 – 1.10 g/cm³ (floats in saturated saltwater)
Occurrence in China
Fushun, Liaoning — Eocene coal-seam amber, often containing exceptionally well-preserved insect inclusions. Also significant Burmese amber from Hukawng Valley, Myanmar (~99 Ma Cretaceous) is widely traded through China. Baltic amber (Eocene, 40-50 Ma) from Kaliningrad/Poland remains the global volume leader.
Identification
Honey-warm color + low density (floats in saltwater) + warm to touch + resinous luster + organic odor when burned. Distinguish from copal (younger resin, softer, dissolves in alcohol) by hardness and IR spectrum. Heated amber emits a piney/resinous smell.
Collector Notes
Insect-inclusion amber is the most sought-after collector form. Burmese amber from Cretaceous beds yields dinosaur-era inclusions. Beware of copal and plastic imitations — UV fluorescence and density tests are decisive.
Found at these Localities
- Xinglonggou (Fushun Amber Beds) (兴隆沟琥珀产地(抚顺))
