Amber Faceting Information
Amber gem stones are just one of a few organic gemstones. They are formed by fossilization of tree resin. Ambers are rarely faceted and are very easy to cut
Amber Faceting Information
Color: Yellow, red, orange and brown
Moh's Hardness: 2-2½
Refractive Index: 1.54
Critical Angle: 40.49°
Specific Gravity: 1.05-1.096
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal-brittle
Dispersion: None
Heat Sensitivity: Extremely high
Birefringence (double refraction): None
Crystal structure: Amorphous
Treatments: Amber is sometimes reconstituted from ground up amber and small pieces are "reconstituted" into larger pieces with pressure. It is difficult to spot. It is petrified tree sap.
What I prefer to polishing with: Amber is not something I cut. Recommended polishes are wax lap with Alumina or tin oxide or tin oxide Ultralap. Typically will have bubbles, and various spots and inclusions in it.
Jeff's Comments: I do not cut this material. Cold dop with glue (white glue is water soluble), Amber will melt with too much heat, it is sensitive to solvents. Amber has a lot of static electricity charge and will attract dust and other particles that can scratch it easily.
Design Notes: About any deep Opal and Quartz designs will work well.
Jeff R. Graham
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
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