The fossilized resin known as amber gemstone has fascinated people for centuries because of its rich history, beautiful inclusions, and vibrant hues. Here is a table that explains the many kinds of amber, where they come from, how they were found, and the numerous colors they may be.
| Amber Type | Origin | Mines | Discovery Period | Colors |
| Baltic Amber | Northern Europe | Poland, Lithuania, Russia | Eocene Epoch (56-33.9 Mya) | Yellow, Orange, Red, Brown |
| Dominican Amber | Caribbean | Dominican Republic | Miocene to Pleistocene | Yellow, Blue, Green |
| Mexican Amber | Mexico | Chiapas | Miocene (23-5 Mya) | Yellow, Red (Cherry) |
| Burmese Amber | Myanmar | Kachin State | Cretaceous (100 Mya) | Red, Yellow, Green |
| Bitterfeld Amber | Germany | Bitterfeld, Saxony-Anhalt | Miocene (20 Mya) | Pale Yellow, Golden, Opaque |
| Canadian Amber | Canada | Alberta, British Columbia | Cretaceous (80 Mya) | Brown, Yellow, Cloudy |
| New Jersey Amber | USA | New Jersey | Cretaceous (90-94 Mya) | Light Yellow, Dark Brown |
| Sumatran Amber | Indonesia | Sumatra | Miocene | Yellow, Brown |
| Sicilian Amber | Italy | Sicily | Oligocene (34-23 Mya) | Yellow, Orange, Brown |
| Lebanese Amber | Lebanon | Near Jezzine, Mount Lebanon | Cretaceous (125-135 Mya) | Yellow, Brown, Clear |
Detailed Descriptions of Amber Types
Baltic Amber
Baltic amber, or “gold of the North,” is the most common and expensive kind. It is around 44 million years old, having developed during the Eocene period. Many different shades of red, ranging from yellow to deep crimson, are found in Baltic amber, which is often called “cherry amber.” Throughout history, people from Russia, Poland, and Lithuania have fashioned it into jewelry and ornaments. The scientific and aesthetic worth are enhanced by its inclusions, specifically insects.(Geology In)(Gem Collector).
Dominican Amber
The unique blue fluorescence and pure quality of Dominican amber are the result of sunlight-reactive hydrocarbons. Because of its stunning appearance and fossil inclusions, which provide details about bygone ecosystems, this amber is in great demand. This amber, which originates in the Dominican Republic, may take on a blue hue when illuminated by natural light and can be anywhere from yellow to green in color.(Rock Chasing)(Gem Collector).
Mexican Amber
The Chiapas area is the primary location for Mexican amber mining, which has been going on since the Miocene period. Mexican amber, with its warm tones ranging from deep cherry red to golden yellow, is a unique gem. The deeper shades are a result of oxidation that has taken place over millions of years. Inclusions in Mexican amber are highly prized because they may provide light on past tropical ecosystems.(Geology Science)(Gem Collector).
Burmese Amber
“Burmite,” the local name for Burmese amber, has been around since the Cretaceous era, making it one of the earliest varieties of amber. Its reddish-green coloration and reputation for preserving fossilized insect remains make it an extremely precious gemstone found in Myanmar. During the time of the dinosaurs, this amber variety reveals important details about daily living .(RockChasing)(Gem Collector).
Bitterfeld Amber
Bitterfeld amber is around 20 million years old, making it younger than Baltic amber despite its similarities. The Bitterfeld area of Germany is a common place to find it. Bitterfeld amber is highly prized by scientists and collectors because to its inclusions, which enhance its already attractive yellow and golden tones.(Rock Chasing).
Canadian Amber
Amber from Canada, specifically from the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, has been around since the time of the Cretaceous. Colors may range from dark brown to yellow, and it is often opaque. Because of the fossilized organisms it contains, Canadian amber is a valuable tool for paleontologists.(Geology Science).
New Jersey Amber
Only one kind of amber, known as New Jersey amber, is unique in the USA. In contrast to ambers that are more transparent, such as Dominican amber, this kind, which comes from the Cretaceous times, is often opaque or unclear. Because of the ancient insects and plants that were found within, it has great scientific importance(Rock Chasing).
Sumatran Amber
Located in Indonesia’s verdant forests, Sumatran amber is a relatively young gemstone that dates back to the Miocene period. Because of its tropical origin, this amber variety is often brown or yellow and stands out from the others.(Rock Chasing).
Sicilian Amber
Amber from Sicily, often called “Simetite,” has been there since the Oligocene era and is a precious gemstone. Its color spectrum extends from yellow to brown, and it is often transparent. The religious and beauty uses of this amber variety have made it highly sought-after since antiquity.(Gem Collector).
Lebanese Amber
Among the world’s oldest ambers, the one from Lebanon dates back more than 125 million years, to the time of the Cretaceous. This Lebanese artifact is very valuable to scientists because of the ancient environment it may shed light on via its remarkably well-preserved inclusions.
(Rock Chasing).
Why is Amber Valuable?
Amber’s historical importance, beauty, and scarcity all contribute to its high value. Amber is a natural time capsule because it may hold fossils of extinct creatures in its natural state. The rarity and beauty of some varieties makes them more sought-after; examples are cherry Mexican amber and blue Dominican amber. The most common kind of amber is Baltic amber, although collectors and scholars place a premium on amber from Burmese and Dominican origins. The scientific and economic value of an item is enhanced when it has preserved plant or insect life.
FAQs about Amber
Q1: What is the most valuable type of amber? A: Blue amber from the Dominican Republic is one of the most valuable due to its unique fluorescence under sunlight. Additionally, amber with well-preserved inclusions, such as insects, can significantly increase its value(Gem Collector).
Q2: How can you tell if amber is real? A: Genuine amber will float in saltwater, emit a pine-like scent when heated, and may contain natural inclusions like insects or plant material. It can also generate static electricity when rubbed(Geology Science)(Gem Collector).
Q3: What is amber used for? A: Amber has been used for thousands of years in jewelry, art, and religious artifacts. In addition to its aesthetic value, it holds scientific importance for studying prehistoric life due to its inclusions(Rock Chasing)(Gem Collector).
Q4: Is amber a gemstone? A: Yes, amber is classified as an organic gemstone, formed from fossilized tree resin over millions of years(Geology Science).
Amber’s history, rarity, and inclusions make it a prized material for both collectors and scientists alike. Whether admired for its beauty or valued for the scientific insights it provides, amber continues to fascinate across cultures and time.
