GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Amber is formed from resin exuded from tree bark (figure 9), although it is also produced in the heartwood. Resin protects trees by blocking gaps in the bark. Once resin covers a gash or break caused by chewing insects, it hardens and forms a seal.

Detailed explanation-2: -What do you see? Sticky “sap” flows from the tree, essentially making a bandage over the wound that hardens and eventually fossilizes into an incredibly hard substance called amber.

Detailed explanation-3: -Amber is actually made of resin, a different tree goo altogether. While sap is watery and flows through a tree the way blood flows through our veins, resin is thick and just oozes around inside the tree. Its job is to protect the tree from diseases and harmful insects.

Detailed explanation-4: -The best known is Liquidambar styraciflua (American amber tree). This amber tree comes from North America, where it is found mainly in the forests of the USA. Because of its star-shaped leaves, the amber tree is also called the starfish tree. Its botanical name is Liquidambar (liquid amber).

Detailed explanation-5: -Amber is referred to as petrified tree resin or sap. I prefer petrified tree resin as the term sap refers to fluids transported by xylem or phloem tissues (Raven, Evert, & Curtis, 1981, p. 659). Conifers and some deciduous trees produce resin in response to injury.