One of the most striking things about Baltic amber is its range of colour. Unlike gemstones where colour is largely a function of mineral composition, amber's palette is shaped by the conditions under which the original resin fossilised — the presence of air bubbles, the surrounding soil, exposure to heat and light over millions of years. The result is a material that spans from near-colourless white to deep, almost opaque cherry red, with dozens of natural variations in between.
Honey and cognac
The most familiar amber colour is honey — a warm, translucent golden yellow that ranges from pale lemon to deep amber-orange. Cognac amber sits at the richer, browner end of this spectrum. Both are formed from resin that fossilised with relatively few air inclusions, allowing light to pass through. These are the colours most people picture when they think of Baltic amber, and they remain the most widely worn.
Butterscotch and milky white
Butterscotch amber — sometimes called "royal amber" — has a creamy, opaque quality caused by thousands of microscopic air bubbles trapped within the resin during fossilisation. Milky or "bone" amber takes this further, with a near-white, chalky appearance. These varieties were historically among the most prized, particularly in the Baltic and Slavic regions, where they were associated with purity and good fortune.
Cherry and cognac red
Cherry amber ranges from a warm reddish-brown to a deep, almost burgundy red. This colour develops through prolonged exposure to oxygen and heat over geological time — a natural oxidation process. Genuine cherry amber is relatively rare in its natural state; much of what is sold as cherry amber has been heat-treated to accelerate the colour change. Both are legitimate; the distinction is worth knowing.
Green amber
Green amber is among the rarest natural varieties, formed when amber fossilised in oxygen-poor, mineral-rich environments. Its colour ranges from a subtle olive tone to a vivid, almost emerald green. Naturally green amber commands a premium; some green amber on the market has been treated with heat or pressure to achieve the colour.
Blue amber
Blue amber is exceptionally rare and is found primarily in the Dominican Republic rather than the Baltic region. True Baltic blue amber exists but is extremely scarce. Its blue fluorescence is most visible under UV light or in sunlight; in ordinary indoor light it often appears more golden or greenish. If you encounter Baltic blue amber at accessible prices, it is worth asking questions about its origin and treatment.
Choosing by colour
Colour choice is ultimately personal, but a few practical notes: translucent honey and cognac tones show inclusions most clearly and tend to photograph beautifully. Opaque butterscotch and white varieties have a distinctive, sculptural quality that works well in bold, statement pieces. Cherry tones are warm and versatile, pairing well with both gold and silver settings.
Browse our Baltic Amber Jewelry collection to see the range of natural colours we work with.