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Amber, with its ethereal beauty and captivating inclusions, holds a unique allure for rockhounds. Discovering a piece of amber feels like stumbling upon a treasure from another time, a thrill akin to finding a four-leaf clover or perhaps even surpassing the excitement of unearthing gold.
In the US, Amber can be found in several states, including New Jersey, Kansas, and New Mexico. However, the potential for finding amber extends beyond these known locations. Since amber is a fossilized tree resin, states with a history of vast resinous forests, particularly pine forests, offer promising hunting grounds.
But there’s more to the story. To increase your chances of finding amber, it’s essential to understand the process of its formation. Armed with this knowledge, you might even discover amber in your own state. Let’s delve into the secrets of amber and unlock the path to finding this natural wonder.
If you want to check out the best books about rock and mineral identification, you can find them here (Amazon link).
Where to Find Amber Near Me (Common Environments)
Amber remains shrouded in mystery, with many aspects still under debate. Some scientists contend that modern Pinus species lack the resin composition necessary for amber formation, pointing instead to ancient, extinct tree varieties as the likely source.
The Tertiary period, spanning the Eocene, Oligocene, and Miocene epochs, is often associated with amber deposits. These ancient forests, teeming with resinous trees like pine, cedar, juniper, redwood, and spruce, hold the key to uncovering amber treasures. Seek out these potential hotspots in riverbanks, creeks, stream beds, beaches, marl deposits, sand pits, and gravel beds.
Amber takes millions of years to form, but some argue it takes less. The resin contains liquids (volatiles); after a long period, it hardens, and the volatiles are gone, resulting in amber. The duration of the process depends on soil conditions and geothermal stress.
Whatever the case, ancient sites where forests were present are generally good areas to search for amber, but it isn’t always so. Scientists argue that amber is often not found in the same place it originated.
This is because the resin-producing trees fell at some point in time, and the resin-coated logs were carried away by rivers or tides to deltas or coastal regions. Many of these logs were buried in oxygen-free sedimentary deposits.
Since trees produce resin to cover gashes from chewing insects, you may also find insects trapped in amber. Amber comes in many colors, such as orange, yellow, or blue. Here are some common environments where you may find amber:
Beaches, creeks, banks, river beds, and streams
The formation of amber is a lengthy process, far exceeding the lifespan of the original resin-producing tree or plant. Over such extended periods, the likelihood of natural events like storms or floods relocating the resin-laden wood increases significantly.
Consequently, these resin-coated logs can end up embedded in a variety of environments. Creeks, riverbanks, stream beds, and beaches are among the most common sites for discovering amber, often concealed within sedimentary layers.
Marl pits, sand pits, and gravel
Marl and sand pits and gravel are also excellent places to search for amber. In New Jersey, for example, there are many areas where explorers can try out their luck to find amber in these environments. Sands and gravels near rivers are often great places to search for amber as well.
TIP: Amber fakes are very diverse. Real amber is an organic gemstone, so there is another way to spot amber fakes. Find out more in the article below:
Real vs. Fake Amber: 9 Key Differences & UV Light Testing
Where to Find Amber in the USA? The Best Locations
If you want to find amber in the US, you must prepare your digging equipment, as most amber is found in clay beds or through beachcombing. Beachcombing results are rarely noteworthy when it comes to amber, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying!
The best states in the U.S. to find amber include New Jersey, Arkansas, California, Washington, South Dakota, Kansas, Texas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Massachusets, Alaska, and New Mexico. Though Arkansas has the biggest deposits of amber, most sites are closed to the public, and you will need to get permission and pay a small fee.
| State | Locations |
|---|---|
| Washington | Issaquah, Fifteen-Mile Creek |
| Texas | Terlingua Creek, Eagle Pass |
| New Mexico | Thoreau, Sugarite Mine & Coal Fields |
New Jersey, on the other hand, is more accessible. Let’s analyze some of the best states in the U.S. to find amber and see exactly where you should plan a trip!
New Jersey
New Jersey is among the best states in the U.S. to find high-quality amber specimens. If you are near or located in Central New Jersey, you can find amber in the marls near Neptune City at Shark River.
Southern New Jersey is the most abundant in amber. Visit Crosswalk’s Creek to find amber in the area of marls and sand pits. Burlington, Riverside, and Riverton sands and gravels often yield fine amber specimens as well.
The area sands and gravels around Vincentown are also worth exploring. If you want to find high-quality amber, some with even trapped insects inside, you should visit Burlington County. Here, explore the sands and gravels near the Delaware River.
For those venturing from Camden County, the sands and gravels near the Delaware River, particularly around Bridgeport and Gibbstown, offer rich pickings for amber specimens.
Oldman’s Creek, boasting a marl pit east of Route 45, is a prime spot for uncovering exquisite amber pieces. If you’re seeking a combination of amber and fossils, Mullica Hill’s marl and sand pits are a worthwhile destination. Alternatively, try your luck at the Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park, where a small fee grants you access to a treasure trove of natural wonders.
Chestnut Creek, near Sewell, is another fantastic site for amber enthusiasts. Amber can be found throughout Salem County, including gravel beds, sand pits, and streams. Harrisonville also offers abundant opportunities, with its pits, sands, and gravels all harboring potential amber deposits.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in New Jersey, check out this article.
Kansas
Kansas is an interesting state when it comes to amber because it has its own unique variant, namely the Jelinite amber. Jelinite amber was designated as the official state gemstone of Kansas in 2018.
The ancient Jelinite amber was used by early Kansas settlers to construct tools and weapons. It was first called kansasnite but later renamed after the person who discovered the ancient site in 1937, namely George Jelinek.
It is a rare specimen, especially since the historical collecting site is underwater because the Kanopolis Reservoir flooded it.
Still, you have a high chance of finding this specimen. You can search for Jelinite amber in the lignite beds that span across the Smoky Hill River south of Carneiro, in Eastern Kansas, Ellsworth County.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Kansas, check out this article.
New Mexico
If you are near New Mexico, plan to visit it, or you already live here, there are a few places where you can find amber. The area around San Juan County is noted for its amber specimens, especially near the San Juan Basin. You can also visit the Fossil Forest to find amber.
In the northeastern parts of the state, near Santa Fe, you can find amber along the Pecos River. The Sugarite Mines and coal fields are particularly noteworthy for their fine amber specimens.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in New Mexico, check out this article.
Alaska
Alaska is famous for its jade specimens. However, you can find amber specimens here as well. In northwest Alaska, for example, you can find amber in some beach deposits at Point Barrow.
You can try your luck at the Aleutians East Borough, especially at the Fox Islands, or you can visit the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to find amber. The Matanuska Valley is an incredible region where you may also find amber.
Some other regions where amber is found in Alaska include the Fairhaven Mining District and Chicago Creek, especially the Chicago Creek Coal Mine.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Alaska, check out this article.
Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts is also worthwhile when it comes to finding amber. Here, you can visit Dukes County and search for amber, especially at Martha’s Vineyard, Aquinnah, and the shore near Gay Head Cliffs. The green sand deposits are particularly rich in amber. You may need permission in some areas first, so always ask beforehand.
In Nantucket County, the town of Nantucket is amazing for finding amber specimens. The island isn’t so rich in rocks, minerals, or gemstones, but you can also find quartz here.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Massachusetts, check out this article.
Washington
Washington State is home to many exciting rocks, minerals, and crystals. And you can even find amber here as well. In northwestern Washington, you can find amber specimens in King County at Issaquah, the eastern side of Fifteen-Mile Creek. You can also try your luck at Tiger Mountain.
Chelan County is generally a good area to find the elusive material. Here, the Wenatchee Mining District is particularly fruitful regarding amber. The incorporated city of Wenatchee and its surrounding areas have also been noted for its amber findings.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Washington, check out this article.
Arkansas
Though the state of Arkansas has the largest amber deposits in the U.S., there are very few places where you are allowed to collect the item. If you do find yourself here, head to Hot Spring County and go to Perla.
The Malvern clay pits are usually a great source of amber in the region. The amber discovered here is often of high quality.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Arkansas, check out this article.
FAQ About Finding Amber
Still haven’t found the answer to your questions about finding selenite. Check out our frequently asked questions below for more information.
Where is Amber Most Commonly Found?
Amber is commonly found in Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, and Tertiary-period sediments. Environments such as creeks, banks, river beds, streams, beaches, marl pits, sand pits, and gravels are among the best places to find amber.
Where to Find Amber on the Beach?
Beachcombing for amber can be rewarding if you know where to look for it. Sand deposits often hide amber specimens. You can find amber on the beach in seaweed tossed onto the beach, or you can use skimming nets to collect small amber pieces.
Can You Find Amber Anywhere?
You can’t find amber anywhere. Amber isn’t usually found where it originated, but bodies of water are generally responsible for transporting it in various places.
For this reason, beaches are among the most common mediums where amber is found. Besides beaches, river banks are also natural environments where you can find amber.
BTW: Do you want to know more about rock and mineral identification? The books listed below are the best ones you can find on the internet (Amazon links):
- Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks & Minerals
- Gemstone & Crystal Properties (Quick Study Home)
- Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Rocks and Minerals (National Geographic Kids)
Conclusion
Finding amber is a challenging journey. Yet, your chances increase significantly if you know where to look for. Though there are few places where you can find amber in the U.S., the thrill is totally worth it!
Finding amber brings the same excitement as finding gold, especially if it’s a specimen containing a trapped insect, plant, or invertebrate. Such items are highly valuable.
TIP: If you are wondering how much to spend on a piece of amber jewelry or raw amber stone, you aren’t alone in your struggle. Find out more in the article below:
How Much is Amber Worth? Costs per Carat and More!