These deposits both in the cliffs and sea bed have led to Amber occurring on the Coast of Norfolk and Suffolk however in much smaller quantities in recent decades quite possibly due to better Coastal defences which stop amber bearing sands and clays in the cliffs from being eroded.
Amber tends to be washed up in Norfolk in the winter storms and High Seas between October and March although it can be found at other times of year. The best place to look for Amber is along the High tide mark ideally at high side and if the weather behaves for you whilst walking into the sun; Amber doesn’t float in normal Sea Water but it is very light and therefore tends to get tangled in light sea weed on the High tide Mark. A low Sun also helps as sometimes it can give amber a slight luminescence.
Amber is often confused with other stones of a similar colour especially flint and carnelian, it can easily be identified however as it will scratch with a pen knife neither of the others will. Amber will not float in normal Sea water but it will in strong salt solution 10 spoonfuls of salt in a cup of hot water!!
Amber is very light when compared to another stone and has a duller tone when tapped against another stone.
Danny
Little Gems
Copy write 2009
Insects can becme intombed in Amber
