What physical properties do amber gemstones have?

Amber gemstones were actually formed from the sap of conifer trees as much as 50 million years ago. Amber is a soft resin substance that sometimes even holds fossils of insects. The majority of amber gemstones currently available on the jewelry market are from the Baltics. These gemstones can have tiny pieces that are blazed and pressed to make big pieces and later made into polished gemstones used in jewelry. Regarding hardness, amber gemstones range from 2 - 2.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Amber jewelry is made of porous gemstones so it tends to absorb fluids that can ruin its luster.


It is very important to keep your amber jewelry away from high temperatures, which can melt amber gemstones (at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and up). So be sure not to leave your amber jewelry on an oven or a radiator. Amber can also be ruined by a myriad of cleaning products and chemical substances, so be careful not to wash the dishes while wearing your amber ring. The steel pads can scratch your jewelry and many dish detergents can ruin the finish of amber gemstones. Do not use cleaning products that are based on solvents. In cases where amber gemstones are set in gold or silver metals, avoid using any acidic chemical solutions to get rid of the rust on the precious metals. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners on amber gemstone jewelry.


The best way to clean amber jewelry is with a soft cloth and water. Jewelry polish can also be used on amber jewelry, as long as it is used with a soft cloth and the polish is not abrasive. Nonetheless, it is important to rinse the gemstones and dry them off with care. If you make sure to treat your amber ring with care, you will be sure to enjoy it for many years to come!

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