Amber

Amber, a fossil resin produced by an extinct species of conifer (Pinites succinifer); occurs in all parts of the globe; in Europe is most plentiful in North Germany. S.G. 1.05 to 1.1; hardness, 2 to 25. Insoluble in water and alcohol; but soluble in fixed oils by the aid of heat, giving rise to the most durable varnish known. Amber becomes electric by friction; our word "electricity" (electron, amber) being derived from this characteristic property.