of 1.5-1.6, a specific gravity between 1.06 and 1.10, and a melting point of 250-300 °C. Heated above 200 C, amber decomposes, yielding an oil of amber, and leaves a black residue which is known as "amber colophony", or "amber pitch"; when dissolved in oil of turpentine or in linseed oil this forms "amber varnish" or "amber lac".

Impurities are quite often present, especially when the resin has dropped onto the