Amber Beads

Amber beads are composed of fossilized tree resin. Occasionally, before the amber has completely hardened, insects and other debris become trapped in it. Amber with fully intact insects visible is especially valuable.

There are varying stages in the fossilization process, which makes some amber too soft for use in jewelry making. The completely fossilized amber is called succinite, and the softer, partially fossilized amber is called copal. Occasionally, copal amber is sold to the unsuspecting as a valuable jewelry component, but it is the fool who purchases it. It is actually quite difficult to discerne whether the amber on the market is 100% natural, as some composite materials contain genuine amber but are not all natural. Genuine amber will float in salt water. However, manmade materials may be layered on top of amber, and this material may also float.

Although found throughout the world, significant sources of amber include Russia, the United States, Brazil, India, and Madagascar.

Amber colors vary from white, yellow, brown, red, green, and even blue. However, the color of all amber will darken over time. Of all the gemstone beads in your jewelry supplies, amber should be cared for with the most caution, as it is very soft and prone to cracking.

common treatments: occasionally heat treated

special care: avoid prolonged exposure to strong heat or harsh chemicals, avoid abrasion

hardness: 1.5 - 2.5