Amber is a fossilized tree resin that has been transformed over millions of years into a hardened, organic material. Unlike a traditional gemstone, it originates from the sap of extinct trees, which underwent polymerization and hardening within the earth’s sediments. This material often contains preserved remnants of prehistoric life, such as insects and plant fragments, effectively acting as a natural time capsule. Its golden hues and historical significance make it a desirable find for collectors, researchers, and hobbyists worldwide.
Primary Global Sources
The world’s largest and most historically significant source is the Baltic Sea region, accounting for over 90% of the global supply. This material, often called succinite due to its high concentration of succinic acid, formed primarily during the Eocene epoch (35 to 48 million years ago). Deposits are found across the coasts of countries like Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast), Poland, and Lithuania, often washing ashore after storms.
Most Baltic amber is a secondary deposit, eroded from its original geological layer and redeposited by ancient rivers and glaciers. The primary source layer, known as the “Blue Earth,” is a glauconite-rich sediment found deep within the Samland Peninsula. Although the majority is now extracted through industrial mining, some still washes up on beaches after being agitated from the seabed by turbulent weather.
Beyond the Baltic, other notable sources include the Dominican Republic. This Caribbean source yields younger material, dating to the Miocene epoch (15 to 25 million years ago). Dominican amber is valued for its exceptional clarity and abundance of preserved insect and plant inclusions, which record an ancient tropical forest ecosystem.
A rare variety, blue amber, is found almost exclusively in the Dominican Republic, fluorescing blue under ultraviolet light. Chiapas, Mexico, is another significant source, known for its excellent clarity and rich color palette ranging from yellow to deep red. This Mexican amber (15 to 30 million years old) is also harder and more scratch-resistant than its Baltic counterpart.
Practical Search Environments and Methods
The most common environment for a hobbyist search is the coastline, particularly those bordering known deposits like the Baltic Sea. Amber’s density (1.04 to 1.10) is only slightly higher than freshwater, allowing it to float in denser saltwater. This property explains why pieces are often found washed ashore, buoyed from the seafloor by currents.
The best time to search is immediately following a major storm, especially one with strong winds blowing toward the shore. These turbulent conditions disturb the seabed, freeing lighter material and pushing it onto the sand. Searching during low tide exposes a wider area of the shoreline and the debris line, increasing the chance of a find.
When scanning the beach, focus on the wrack line—the accumulation of seaweed, driftwood, and organic debris left by the receding tide. Small pieces of amber often become entangled here due to their light weight. Simple tools can assist the search, such as a long-handled net or a rake to gently sift through the collected material.
Using a UV flashlight at night can also be an effective strategy, as genuine amber will fluoresce with a distinct blue or green glow, making it stand out against the dark sand and debris.
Identifying Authentic Amber
Once a potential piece is found, simple tests can help determine if it is genuine and not a plastic imitation or copal, which is a younger, less-hardened tree resin. The most common method is the saltwater flotation test, utilizing the density difference between amber and most fakes. To perform this, dissolve about 7 to 8 teaspoons of salt in a cup of water, creating a dense saline solution.
Genuine amber (specific gravity 1.05 to 1.09) will float in this solution, while most plastics and glass will sink. Since copal may also float, a secondary test is often necessary. The hot needle test is a more conclusive, though slightly destructive, method performed on an inconspicuous spot.
By heating a needle and pressing it gently into the surface, real amber releases a faint scent of pine resin or burning wood. If the item is plastic, it produces the acrid smell of burning chemicals, and the needle penetrates easily. Additionally, authentic amber typically fluoresces with a pale blue or green hue under ultraviolet (UV) light.