Amber
| Colour | Yellow, Orange, Brown |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 2–2.5 |
| Lustre | Resinous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Amorphous |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | ≈C₁₀H₁₆O (fossil resin) |
| Specific gravity | 1.05–1.10 |
What is Amber?
Amber is fossilized tree resin. It has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since the Neolithic times, and worked as a gemstone since classical antiquity. Amber is used in jewelry and as a healing agent in folk medicine.
How to identify Amber
- Lustre: Resinous.
- Hardness: Mohs 2–2.5 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Amorphous crystal system.
Amber value
Based on 100 recent eBay sold listings, a polished / carved Amber typically sells for $20–$365. After eBay fees a seller nets roughly $62 on a median piece.
| Recently sold | Weight | Sold | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971-1977 Chevy GMC G10 G20 G30 Van RH Pass Front Amber Marker Park Lamp Lens | — | $20 | 2026-06-21 |
| Armenian EGG YOLK AMBER BAKELITE Statuette, figurine , S SAhakyan 208g | 208 g | $73 | 2026-06-21 |
| Vintage Brass Turtle Lamp Nightlight W/Amber Tiffany-Style Glass Shell 9" Tested | — | $43 | 2026-06-21 |
| Vintage VIKING Amber Glass Cabbage Leaf Fairy Lamp TOP ONLY Tea Light MCM. T1 | — | $75 | 2026-06-21 |
Typical recently-sold prices, 2026-06. Condition, size and quality vary widely, so this is an estimate, not an appraisal. See current sold listings on eBay ↗. Full value guide · how we work this out.
Amber in different forms
Stones often confused with Amber
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Amber?
Amber is Mohs 2–2.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Amber?
Amber is typically yellow, orange, brown.