The Baltic Amber (succinite) is a fossil that dates back to the period 40 million years ago. It contains 3 to 8 % of amber acid. Other fossilized resins (e.g. retinite) contain much less or no amber acid. The most common fossil is retinite.

The natural color of amber is light yellow or honey-tinted. It was probably the color of the resin of the prehistoric Pinus succinifera. The darker colors of other types of amber are a result of oxidation. The external layer is often rough and cracked, and is called cortex.

White and opaque kinds of amber have a structure of foam. The color and degree of transparency depend on the number and size of air-holes. The most foamy ones have almost one million air-holes per square millimeter (1 sq. line = 4,4 sq. mm).

Amber is one of the most popular stones collected today.
Amber with special markings such as the intials of ones name is a great protective talisman.
Nowdays amber is used in the manufacture of beads, amulets, mouthpieces, cigar and cigarette holders, pipes, and other small ornamental objects.
Be ware of plastic, glass, synthetic resin and other natural resins amber imitations.