• Location: Sumatra, Indonesia
• Weight: 13.1g
• Dimensions: 7 x 3.7 x 0.7 cm
• UV active
• Double-sided Polished slice
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Indonesian amber stands out for its unique color range, geological age, and the rarity of its inclusions. It is among the more recently discovered sources of amber and has gained popularity in recent decades, particularly for its rare blue and green varieties. Origin Indonesian amber primarily originates from the islands of Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan), and Sulawesi. The most famous deposits are found in Aceh Province, Sumatra. Geologically, this amber dates back to the Miocene epoch, approximately 20–23 million years ago. Colors and Optical Properties Indonesian amber comes in a wide range of colors. The most prized is blue amber, which fluoresces with a blue glow under UV light or direct sunlight. This effect is caused by the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons. However, the blue color does not always manifest under all conditions—it is best observed under UV light or direct sunlight. Green amber is rarer and owes its color to trace elements and natural oxidation. Red and brown varieties are more common and resemble Baltic amber in appearance. Golden amber is translucent and features honey-yellow shades. Composition and Physical Properties Indonesian amber has a hardness of about 2–2.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and easily scratched. Its density ranges from 1.05 to 1.10 g/cm³, which is why it often floats in saltwater. Chemically, it contains less succinic acid than Baltic amber, distinguishing it. Inclusions Unlike Dominican or Burmese amber, Indonesian amber very rarely contains insect inclusions. More often, it contains plant remains such as leaf fragments, needles, or resin bubbles. Air bubbles can produce interesting optical effects. Microorganisms occasionally appear. The geological conditions and age of this amber likely did not allow for the preservation of large quantities of animal inclusions. Extraction Indonesian amber is extracted by hand in tropical jungles, often within coal-bearing sediments. After extraction, it is cut, polished, and sold both in raw form and as a processed gemstone. Indonesian amber is popular in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Its price depends on color, transparency, and the presence of inclusions. Blue amber is the rarest and most expensive. Green amber is also rare but more accessible. Red and golden amber are among the more common and less expensive types. It is primarily used for making necklaces, bracelets, rings, and decorative items, and is often paired with silver or other precious metals. Authenticity There are several ways to verify the authenticity of Indonesian amber. In the salt test, amber floats in saltwater with a density greater than 1.1 g/cm³. Under UV light, blue amber fluoresces blue, and green amber often fluoresces yellow. When heated, real amber emits a typical resinous odor. To the touch, it feels warm and not sticky, unlike plastic imitations, which tend to be cold and excessively light. Many fakes exist on the market. Plastic imitations or pressed amber—made by compressing small fragments—are commonly sold. This type has a lower value than natural amber. Another common substitute is copal, a younger natural resin that is only 1–5 million years old.