GEM KNOWLEDGE · LABORATORY NOTES
Dark Amber
A very dark-red amber specimen purchased as Baltic amber and compared with a confirmed Baltic reference specimen.
Sample: 1555 (#3 dark Baltic amber) · Completed: December 17, 2025.
Conclusion: Very likely of Baltic origin, based on closely matching density and minor/trace-element composition.
The tested piece measured 1.01 g/cm³ in density; the known Baltic comparison piece measured 1.006 g/cm³. This supports the supplied origin while retaining the researcher’s stated degree of confidence.
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These results are the property of Soul Body Gems, Alexander Falster, and the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum. Any mention requires full acknowledgment.
Read the report findings and comparison table as text
Sample 1555 (#3 dark Baltic amber), submitted by Soul Body Gems, completed December 17, 2025. A Bruker Titan X-ray fluorescence spectrometer operated at 10, 25, and 50 kV. Figure 1 shows a specimen of 3.3 cm maximum dimension.
| Element | This specimen | Old Baltic piece |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 3850 | 3100 |
| Calcium | 790 | 840 |
| Iron | 406 | 310 |
| Phosphorus | 198 | 144 |
| Potassium | 669 | 788 |
| Silicon | 4220 | 3450 |
| Sulfur | 7600 | 6050 |
Summary: Dark amber occurs in Baltic deposits; the report estimates about 15% is dark. The tested piece has a density of 1.01 g/cm³ compared with 1.006 g/cm³ for an older confirmed dark Baltic amber. Minor and trace elements closely match. The researcher concludes it is very likely of Baltic origin. The report ends with the December 17, 2025 date and signature.
Read the original laboratory report as text
The following text and tables are transcribed from the original laboratory document. Figure captions identify the report images; the laboratory interpretations and limitations are preserved.
Laboratory report 1
Analytical Result Report
Sample id: 1555 (#3 dark Baltic amber)
Submitted by: Soul Body Gems
Date completed: 12-17-2025
Operating conditions: A Bruker Titan X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was used and operated at 10, 25 and 50 kV.
Fig. 1: Photograph of the specimens. 3.3 cm maximum dimension.
Table 1: Minor and trace elements in the specimen, in ppm.
| This specimen | Old Baltic piece | |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 3850 | 3100 |
| Calcium | 790 | 840 |
| Iron | 406 | 310 |
| Phosphorus | 198 | 144 |
| Potassium | 669 | 788 |
| Silicon | 4220 | 3450 |
| Sulfur | 7600 | 6050 |
Summary of findings: This is an interesting specimen (Fig.1). Dark amber does occur in the Baltic deposits, about 15% is dark. The density of this piece is1.01 g/cm3. An old confirmed piece of dark amber that I had around was very close to that: 1.006 g/cm3. The minor and trace elements for this and the confirmed piece are all very close. Thus it appears that this is very likely of Baltic origin.
Date: 12-17-2025 Signature