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AMBER
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Amber is an organic substance formed when resin secreted from coniferous trees becomes fossilized This happens when it is compacted under high pressure due to overlying sediments.
It is yellow/brown and has no internal crystal structure and a variable chemical composition. It is very soft
Amber may contain preserved specimens of animals e.g. insects trapped before solidification. This increases it's value.
It can be found washed up on beaches because it is so light. Many specimens have been found on beaches in Norfolk, UK.
A rare gemstone of the silicate family which is blue and may contain yellow streaks of pyrite.
It is made of several different minerals including lazurite.
Lazurite forms where limestones have touched calcite and pyrite. Therefore it is formed by contact metamorphism.
The best quality lapis lazuli gems are found in Afghanistan and Argentina.
It was used to decorate Tutankhamuns tomb.
