The word amber is equivalent to the Greek word elektron , and the Arabic word, anbar - which both refer to amber's ability to produce static electricity. According to theorists, ambers ability to produce static electricity was first discovered by the ancient philosopher and scientist Thales , at about 600 BC.

Although often grouped with other mineral gemstones, amber is in fact classed as a mineraloid - an informal category for specimens that are often classed as minerals. These specimens are said to be amorphous , which means that they have no recognized crystal structure. Recent X-ray analysis', however, have shown that amber may have a crystal structure after all. Amber is also thought to be an organic stone, whereas most other minerals are inorganic .

Amber is formed, over millions of years, from the hardening of pine tree resin. Through this process it takes its form from the compacting of sedimentary materials, and the loss of water. Before the resin is completely hardened it is called copal . Once Copal has fossilized under great pressures it will then become amber .