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: -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-3: -Amber is produced from a marrow discharged by trees belonging to the pine genus, like gum from the cherry, and resin from the ordinary pine.

Detailed explanation-4: -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-5: -It was once used commercially for making soaps, adhesives and drugs. And the sweetgum’s dark, reddish-brown wood is valued as a veneer for fine furniture. In some areas, sweetgum is second only to oak in hardwood production.