What is what color is amber?

Amber's color is highly variable, ranging from a pale, almost colorless yellow to a deep, rich reddish-brown. The specific color depends on several factors including:

  • The original resin's composition: The type of tree resin that formed the amber influences its color.
  • Impurities: Inclusions of organic matter (like insects or plant debris) or minerals can affect the overall hue.
  • Age and oxidation: Over time, amber can darken and change color due to exposure to sunlight and oxygen.
  • Heat and pressure: The conditions under which the amber fossilized can also contribute to its color.

While many associate amber with a golden-yellow, you can also find amber in shades of:

  • Light Yellow: Almost translucent and very pale.
  • Honey: A warm, medium yellow.
  • Orange: Ranging from light orange to a deep, almost reddish-orange.
  • Red-Brown: Deep, rich tones approaching brown.
  • Green: Rare, but some amber exhibits a greenish hue due to specific organic compounds.

Therefore, there's no single definitive answer to what color amber is; it's a gemstone with a wide and beautiful spectrum of colors.