aMBER

14K rose gold natural amber ring

Species:  Amber
​​Mohs Hardness:  2 to 2.5 out of 10
Color:  Transparent to opaque.  Yellow to brown, reddish-brown, almost white; rarely with green or blue tint.
RI:  1.540 (+0.005 / -0.001)
Birefringence:  None
SR/DR/AGG:  SR, commonly with strong ADR
Fluorescence:  Inert to strong yellowish green to orangy yellow, white, bluish white, or blue under LW.  Weaker under SW.
SG:  1.08 (+ 0.02 / -0.08)
Routine Treatments:  Heating
Additional Enhancements:  Beeswax aging

amber Facts

Insect trapped in a man-made green amber simulant [Photo by ​​Scott Papper, GG, ASA, ARM, CMA, RMV, ISA AM, RGA, AJP, CSMP, CSSP

Amber is a natural, organic gem composed of fossilized tree resin.

The oldest amber is dated to the Carboniferous Period (approximately 320 million years ago).

Unlike diamonds, inclusions in amber can actually increase its value.  Amber with unique inclusions can be very valuable, especially pieces with spiders, lizards or other creatures trapped inside.

Amber is often heated to purposely cause internal fractures known as sun spangles​.

Amber occurs naturally in several different colors:  yellow to brown, reddish-brown, almost white, and rarely with a green or blue tint.

​

amber Gallery

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GG, ASA, ARM, CMA, RMV, ISA AM, RGA, AJP, CSMP, CSSP