Is amber a mineral? Can it be considered a gem?
Definitions from dictionary.com …
AMBER: a pale yellow, sometimes reddish or brownish, fossil resin of vegetable origin, translucent, brittle, and capable of gaining a negative electrical charge by friction and of being an excellent insulator: used for making jewelry and other ornamental articles.
Web site on amber, including mineral status: http://webmineral.com/data/Amber.shtml
MINERAL: any of a class of substances occurring in nature, usually comprising inorganic substances, as quartz or feldspar, of definite chemical composition and usually of definite crystal structure, but sometimes also including rocks formed by these substances as well as certain natural products of organic origin, as asphalt or coal.
GEM: a cut and polished precious stone or pearl fine enough for use in jewelry.
The minerals site gives a clear answer. For the gem question, I suggest that you evaluate the definitions and the use of amber. You can also search for “amber gem” and look at the hits you get. In general, gems are used for jewelry, but are proof against household chemicals. You have conflicting qualities here, so you’ll have to determine the status on Your Own.
Amber Khan, Gem Of A Girl (10-02-2009)
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Amber Oval Flower Gem Pendant Bead MC1703 $3.68 |
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Amber Oval Flower Gem Pendant Bead MC1703 $2.99 |
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.925 Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet w/ Natural Baltic Amber Gem $64.99 |
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BUTTERSCOTCH Baltic AMBER Ring UNUSUAL COLOR CAB GEM $24.95 |
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FIVE HONEY AMBER GEMS – Baltic AMBER Jewelry BRACELET $39.95 |
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Amber Gem cut Prism top real glass dress up reflector $8.95 |
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SWEET HONEY GEM – EXCLUSIVE Baltic AMBER RING-6 1/2 $24.95 |
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2 Pink Pewter Brook Gold Amber White & 1 Black Gem Hair Accessory Headbands $25.99 |
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AMBER RHINESTONE GEM DROP SWIRL SILVER BROOCH PIN #BH017 $3.99 |
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Amber Gem Centered Pendant on Brown Natural Leather Strand $9.99 |
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NATURAL YELLOW AMBER CHIAPAS GEM & .925 STERLING SILVER EARRINGS MEXICAN JEWELRY $4.25 |
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AMBER GEM FILIGREE PANELLED STRETCH LADIES FASHION BRACELET $31.22 |
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Brilliant Cut Diamond Shape Crystal Glass Paperweight Gem Display (Pick Color) S $8.55 |
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Amber Crystal Beads Stretch Bracelet Gem 7″ K441 $2.89 |
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NATURAL RED AMBER CHIAPAS GEM & .925 STERLING SILVER EARRINGS MEXICAN JEWELRY $8.50 |
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High heel Silver 6″ large center gem ankle strap AMBER-51 Highest Heel $47.95 |
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High heel Silver 6″ large center gem ankle strap AMBER-51 Highest Heel $47.95 |
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HUGE AMBER + TOURMALINE QUARTZ GEM STONE BEAUTIFUL SILVER NECKLACE $8.99 |
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HUGE GREEN AMBER + TIGER EYE GEMS STONE BEAUTIFUL SILVER NECKLACE $7.50 |
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11.46 CT.BIG NATURAL OVAL INSECT FOSSILS INSIDE RICH BRANDY YELLOW COPAL NR GEM $1.50 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Loose Beads Gem 35PCS 5x8MM SD017 $0.99 |
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BCBGirls BCBG SAFFIRO DARK BROWN FAUX AMBER GEM LEATHER SANDALS SHOES 8.5 NEW $41.99 |
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Amber Colored Oval Gem Gemstone Choker Necklace Heart $12.00 |
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LABRADORITE GEMS .925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT 1 1/4″ $2.99 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Glass Oval Beads Pendant Necklace Gem 18″ F011 $5.49 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Pearl Man-made Beads Gem Necklace Bracelet SET M059 $6.79 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Pearl Globe Beads Gem Stretch Bracelet 7.5″ K041 $2.89 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Glass Beads Gem Stretch Bracelet 7″ K612 $2.99 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Necklace Beads Gem SF077 $3.95 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Beads Gem Cross Pendant Necklace 16″ SF262 $3.89 |
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RAW AMBER PENDANT BRUSHED SILVER CHAIN NECKLACE BIG freeform CINNAMON GEM JEWELS $111.15 |
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Super RARE Stingless BEE with Tongue Sticking Out in Large Dominican Amber GEM $125.00 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Beads Cross Gem Necklace Long Chain 32″ SF120 $6.29 |
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151-E7 Var, ORANGE ON AMBER STATIONERY ESSAY – RARE GEM $1,000.00 |
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Labradorite Gems .925 Sterling Silver Pendant 1 1/4″ $2.99 |
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16″ JEWELES – GEMS On Satin Applique GOLD AMBER BROWN $3.99 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Beads Bracelet Stretch Gem 7″ K145 $0.99 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Beads Jewelry Gem Necklace 18″ SF235 $4.19 |
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RHINESTONES ACRYLIC CRAFT GEMS For CARDS NAILS ART 3mm $1.56 |
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RHINESTONES ACRYLIC CRAFT GEMS For CARDS NAILS ART 3mm $2.77 |
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RHINESTONES ACRYLIC CRAFT GEMS For CARDS NAILS ART 3mm $3.40 |
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RHINESTONES ACRYLIC CRAFT GEMS For CARDS NAILS ART 3mm $4.66 |
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BEAUTIFUL YELLOW GEM Baltic AMBER Ring SIZE 8 1/4 $9.95 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Beads Pendant Necklace Gem 18″ F077 $3.99 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Beads Gem Weave Adjustable Bracelet K364 $2.99 |
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Amber Golden Jewel Gem Enamel Fleur De Lis Business Card Holder 2 $17.99 |
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Amber Golden Jewel Gem Enamel Fleur De Lis Business Card Holder 1 $19.95 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Beads Gem Necklace Earrings Set SM092 $4.39 |
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Fashion Amber Crystal Faceted Beads Gem Necklace Long Chain 54″ SF112 $5.99 |
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Synthetic Gem Stone Beaded Stretchy Bracelet Amber for Women $5.00 |
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Ke440 Amber Crystal Gem 10mm Ball Loose Spacer Bead 20X $4.88 |
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NATURAL YELLOW AMBER CHIAPAS GEM & .925 STERLING SILVER EARRINGS MEXICAN JEWELRY $2.24 |
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GREEN AMETHYST GEMS 100% SOLID .925 STERLING SILVER EARRINGS 2 5/8″ STAMPED 925 $7.99 |
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DARK CHERRY GEMS – Baltic AMBER Necklace $99.95 |
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FABULOUS AMBER GEM – Baltic AMBER Ring from RUSSIA $19.95 |
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925 SOLID SILVER NECKLES WITH AMBER GEM CABOCHON FACTORY DIRECT LAPIDARY $29.99 |
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1930 Ten Cent (10¢) ICCS MS-66 PQ+ Amber/Orange Toning – SOLO – a Super GEM $2,451.13 |
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VTG ANTIQUE ESTATE CONFETTI AMBER LUCITE BRACELET MULTI GEM FLAPPER NECKLACE LOT $107.99 |
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6 Hand-Beaded Appliques. Gold Sequins & Amber Gems $9.99 |
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6 Hand-Beaded Appliques. Silver Sequins & Amber Gems $9.99 |
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GENUINE amber stone crystal healing reiki gem fossil BRACELET honey COLOR # 2 $5.00 |
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GENUINE amber stone crystal healing reiki gem fossil BRACELET LIGHT COLOR # 2 $5.00 |
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Multicolor Amber Gem Bracelet Bangle Hand Chain 29x10mm HOT $1.00 |
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Jewelry Necklace Make 7x13mm Amber Chip Gems Beads 16” $0.99 |
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Necklace DIY 10mm Amber Round Gems Loose Beads 15.5inch $0.99 |
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Genuine Natural Gem Stone 4.95 Ct Pair Fancy Ball Drill Golden Amber Citrine $9.99 |
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The Tears Of The Heliades: Or Amber As A Gem (1898) – Paperback $13.33 |
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NEW LARGE OVERSIZE OVAL JEWEL GEM AND CRYSTAL STONE SET SILVER STATEMENT RING $7.10 |
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Hot 65Pcs Amber Agate Onyx Gem Round Loose Bead 6mm #234 $0.99 |
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AB Amber Porcelain Red Crystal Bracelet Gem G3028 $5.86 |
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23 mm 100% Natural Burmite Amber Interesting Insects *** Rare Gem $2.25 |
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TAPEET VICINI Strappy Wood Wedge amber gem $450 9/9.5 $69.99 |
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TAPEET VICINI Strappy Wood Wedge amber gem $450 9/9.5 $69.99 |
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EXQUISITE RUSSIAN FILIGREE Baltic AMBER GEM RING 8 1/4; 81/2 $9.95 |
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Partially polished gem grade RED & GREEN Mexican amber, 26.5 grams $50.00 |
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C-6 Amber, Cobalt, Purple Gem, 500 matchless star light $22.50 |
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Crystal Faceted Amber Oval Beads Gem Bracelet Stretch 7″ K506 $2.89 |
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HUGE BLUE COLOURED DRUZY + AMBER + BLUE TOPAZ GEM STONE SILVER NECKLACE JEWELRY $15.50 |
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Amber Crystal Faceted Beads Gem Necklace Bracelet Earring Set SF026 $6.49 |
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11.26 CT.BIG NATURAL OVAL INSECT FOSSILS INSIDE RICH BRANDY YELLOW COPAL NR GEM $1.50 |
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Pearl & Gem Flower necklace earring 6 Colour Variations $14.21 |
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AMBER GEM Y BAR HEAD LT. COVERS QUAD $54.00 |
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Amber Crystal Beads Gem Necklace Bracelet Earring Set F026 $6.29 |
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LABRADORITE GEMS .925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT 1 1/4″ $3.99 |
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Amber Crystal Glass Leaf Beads Gem Necklace Bracelet Earring Set SM027 $6.99 |
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3 AMBER GEM/JEWEL DECORATIVE PUSH PINS/THUMB TACKS or MAGNETS $3.00 |
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sherry amber TOPAZ gem natural crystal Utah $30.00 |
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NWOT Lady Top Bustier Sexy New S Brown Corset Tube Amber Gems Charlotte Russe XS $14.99 |
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18 inch Amber necklace with hanging gems $8.50 |
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ANTIQUE FLORAL OVAL NATURAL BALTIC BUTTERSCOTCH AMBER BEAD GEM STONE WOMAN RING $9.99 |
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Napier, Amber Gem, Gold Tone Necklace $5.00 |
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ADORABLE Baltic AMBER Designer Necklace SIX Cognac GEMS $49.95 |
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MUSEUM QUALITY Baltic AMBER NECKLACE SUN AMBER GEM $119.95 |
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ANTIQUE POLISH POLLAND SILVER SUGAR JAM CONDIMENT LADLE SPOON SET w/ AMBER GEMS $129.99 |
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New NIQUEA.D Silver BRACELET Daisy Design Amber Gem & Gift Pouch PAPYRUS $9.95 |
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AB Amber Crystal Rice Loose Beads Gem 24pcs G2419 $6.99 |
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71PC beautiful amber-yellow Crystal Faceted Gems Loose Beads 6x8mm $0.99 |
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LAVISH VERMEIL RING PURPLE & AMBER PASTE GEMS sz 10.25 $50.00 |
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LAVISH STERLING RING PURPLE & AMBER PASTE GEMS sz 10 $50.00 |
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Turquoise Amber Yellow Faceted Prism Crystal Gem Fish Hook Dangle Earrings 2 1/8 $9.99 |