Is Amber Flammable or Toxic?

Amber’s honey-colored glow makes it beloved in jewelry and teething necklaces, yet many people wonder: “Is amber flammable?” “Does amber burn?” “Is amber toxic, especially for babies?”

These are important questions, especially if you care about safety while enjoying natural materials close to your skin or your child’s. The simple answer is that Baltic amber is non-toxic and safe, and while amber can burn under certain conditions, it is entirely safe to wear daily.

In this guide, we will explain whether amber is flammable, if amber is toxic, how easily amber burns, and how to keep your amber jewelry safe so you can continue enjoying its warmth with confidence.

What Is Amber? A Natural Resin with Ancient History

Amber is fossilized tree resin, not a mineral, which is why it feels warm to the touch and is so lightweight. Over millions of years, tree resin hardened, trapping tiny fragments of plants and insects, creating the unique pieces we admire today.

Because amber is resin, it has a low hardness (2–2.5 on the Mohs scale) and is sensitive to high heat and strong chemicals. This organic nature explains why amber can technically burn under direct flame, but it also makes amber a special material cherished for its natural beauty and warmth.

Baltic amber, in particular, contains high levels of succinic acid, which many believe may have soothing properties when worn close to the skin. This combination of beauty, comfort, and organic origins is why people have used amber for jewelry, wellness, and teething necklaces for centuries.

Is Amber Flammable? Does Amber Burn Easily?

A key question many ask is: Does amber burn? Can amber catch fire while I wear it?

The clear answer: Yes, amber is flammable under direct flame or high heat, but it will not spontaneously catch fire during normal daily wear.

Amber burns at a temperature of around 300°C (572°F). If you expose amber to an open flame, it will eventually catch fire, producing black smoke and a pine-like scent due to its resin composition. This is why amber was historically used as incense and why collectors sometimes perform a “burn test” to check for authenticity (though this damages the amber).

However:

  • Wearing amber jewelry will not cause it to catch fire.
  • Sunlight, body heat, or hot weather will not ignite amber.
  • Amber is entirely safe to wear in daily life, including for babies wearing teething necklaces under supervision.

So, while amber can burn if you set it on fire, it does not pose a flammability risk during normal use.

Is Amber Toxic? Is It Safe to Wear Daily?

Another concern is whether amber is toxic when worn, especially for babies. The reassuring truth is that amber is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. It does not release harmful substances while worn on the skin, even over long periods.

The succinic acid in Baltic amber does not leak in a harmful way and does not make amber toxic. This makes amber safe for both adults and children, provided babies using teething necklaces are supervised to avoid choking risks.

The only time amber may produce irritating fumes is when it burns, but during normal daily wear, amber does not release fumes and is completely safe. This makes Baltic amber a perfect choice for wellness jewelry, accessories, and teething necklaces when used responsibly.

Amber Safety Myths vs Facts

Because amber can burn under flame, myths often surround its safety. Let’s clarify:

Myth: Amber jewelry will catch fire from sunlight or body heat.
Fact: Amber requires extreme temperatures to ignite and is safe during daily wear.

Myth: Amber fumes are toxic during normal use.
Fact: Amber only produces fumes if burned. It does not emit fumes while worn.

Myth: Amber teething necklaces are unsafe for babies.
Fact: When properly sized and supervised, amber teething necklaces are safe and widely used.

Myth: Amber is synthetic.
Fact: Genuine Baltic amber is fossilized resin, a natural and safe material.

By understanding these facts, you can confidently enjoy your amber jewelry and teething necklaces without unnecessary worry.

Amber Is Safe, Natural, and Easy to Enjoy

So, does amber burn? Yes, under direct flame, but it is completely safe in daily life. Is amber flammable? Technically, yes, but not in any way that poses risk when worn as jewelry. Is amber toxic? No, it is a non-toxic, hypoallergenic natural resin you can confidently wear and gift.

Amber’s warmth, beauty, and organic nature make it a timeless addition to your life. Whether you wear a Baltic amber necklace, bracelet, or teething accessory, you can enjoy its comforting glow knowing it is safe when used responsibly.

Discover our carefully crafted Baltic amber jewelry and teething necklaces at Balticproud.com, and embrace the beauty of natural amber with confidence.

Sources:

  1. Baltic amber teething necklaces: could succinic acid leaching from beads provide anti‑inflammatory effects
  2. Succinic acid toxicity
  3. Use of the amber teething necklace by the child population: risks and misconceptions

Written By

Laurynas