Classification of Baltic Amber Gemstones The Terminology and Definitions of Baltic Amber (Succinite) Gemstones by International Amber Association
Natural Baltic amber (Succinite) – gemstone which has undergone mechanical treatment only (for instance: grinding, cutting, turning or polishing) without any change to its natural properties
Modified Baltic amber (Succinite) – gemstone subjected only to thermal or high-pressure treatment, which changed its physical properties, including the degree of transparency and colour.
Reconstructed (pressed) Baltic amber (Succinite) – gemstone made of one Baltic amber stone or many pieces pressed in high temperature and under high pressure without additional components.
Bonded Baltic amber (Succinite) (doublet, triplet) – gemstone consisting of two or more parts of natural, modified or reconstructed Baltic amber bonded together with the use of the smallest possible amount of a binding agent necessary to join the pieces.
The following abbreviations can be used to describe gemstone modification degrees:
N – no modification
H – heating
International jewellery and gemmology organisations recommend providing customers with exhaustive information on the gemstone modifications applied.
The classification of Baltic amber gemstones was adopted by the Board of the International Amber Association on November 20, 1999, as amended. Last amended on September 05, 2014, unified text.
The International Amber Association is a member of The International Colored Gemstone Association (www.gemstone.org)
