Mexican Amber Cheatsheet for Jewelry Makers | New Stone Age Cabochons
TLDR: Mexican amber is fossilized resin from prehistoric trees in Chiapas, formed over 20 million years ago. Lightweight and warm-toned, it often contains natural inclusions such as bugs, leaves, and other organic matter, making each specimen a world of its own and perfect for one-of-a-kind jewelry design.
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Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Fossilized tree resin |
| Common names | Amber |
| Mohs hardness | 2–2.5 |
| Typical sizes | 5–40 mm cabochons |
| Colors | Yellow, orange, with black inclusions; rare red/green |
| Origins | Chiapas, Mexico |
| Price band | $10–150 |
| Best uses | Pendants, earrings |
How can you verify if Mexican amber is genuine?
Authentic amber is warm to the touch, lightweight, and often fluoresces under UV light. Common tests include the saltwater float test, UV light test, and resistance to solvents like acetone.
What kinds of inclusions are found in Mexican amber, and how do they affect value or design?
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Mexican amber often contains preserved leaves, wood fragments, or insects trapped millions of years ago. These inclusions add both scientific interest and visual character to each piece. For jewelry makers, inclusions create truly one-of-a-kind stones that are captivating.
The photo on the far right is not an inclusion, it is an intaglio carving which is a technique where the design is carved into the back of the stone. It is recessed rather than raised. It’s the opposite of a cameo, where the image stands out in relief. Intaglio designs are carved into the back of a cabochon, creating a recessed impression that catches light and shadow within the amber’s warm glow. In this particular piece you can see the hummingbird intaglio design shining through.
How hard is amber, and is it durable enough for jewelry?
With a Mohs hardness of 2–2.5, amber is much softer than most gemstones. It can scratch easily and is best suited for pendants, earrings, or brooches rather than daily-wear rings. Makers often use protective bezels or wire-wrap settings to safeguard amber cabochons in finished designs.
What are common treatments or imitations of amber to watch out for?
Some amber is heat-treated to enhance color or clarity, while others may actually be copal resin (younger and less stable). Plastic and glass imitations also exist. Makers should work with reputable suppliers who disclose sourcing and treatment practices to ensure authenticity.
How to Choose a Mexican Amber Cabochon
- Inspect for stability (no cracks) and ensure it feels lightweight and warm to the touch.
- Look for rare colors (yellow or red) or well defined inclusions for visual appeal.
- Follow your intuition — select pieces that spark inspiration for your design vision.
Care & Cleaning Tips
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure or high heat.
- Clean gently with a dry clean micro fibre cloth.
- Store separately to prevent scratches — amber is soft and can be damaged by harder gems.
Best Settings & Maker Tips
- Highly polished silver bezel back: enhances light reflection through the translucent amber.
- Etched bezel design: consider engraving a pattern on the backing that can be seen through the amber.
- Lightweight advantage: ideal for larger pendants and earrings — bold size, minimal weight.
Ethical Sourcing Note
At New Stone Age Cabochons, our amber is hand-cut by our lapidary family in Chiapas. We focus on fair trade and ethical sourcing — one way makers can support transparency is ensuring a fair supply chain. Learn more about our sourcing
FAQ
Is Mexican amber real amber?
Yes. It is authentic fossilized resin, distinct from synthetic or man-made imitations.
What inclusions can be found in amber?
Mexican amber is known for containing leaves, wood, and even insects trapped millions of years ago — making each cabochon scientifically valuable and visually unique.
Is amber durable for jewelry?
Amber is soft (Mohs 2–2.5), so it’s best for earrings and pendants. Handle with care to avoid scratches or pressure cracks.
What are common imitations and fakes?
Fake ambers may be made from copal (young resin) or plastics such as epoxy or polyester, sometimes embedded with fake insects. Others are reconstituted ambers, created by fusing small fragments or dyed to imitate Chiapas red hues. These often feel heavier, look overly uniform, and show seams or bubbles on inspection. A good rule of thumb with all stones is that natural materials are never perfect. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Natural inclusions are a beautiful reminder of authenticity.
We hope this guide helps you appreciate the unique characteristics of Mexican amber and inspires you to work with it soon!
Every piece of Mexican amber carries the story of time itself. It is ancient tree resin transformed over millions of years by pressure, heat, and the earth’s embrace. May this knowledge deepen your connection to these luminous treasures of nature.
Download your printable guide and then let your hands and heart shape something one-of-a-kind.
Find the piece that speaks to your creative soul.
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