Amber is most commonly associated with the yellow-orange color that is characteristic of the fossilized tree resin for which it is named. However, the term “amber” can refer to more than just this specific hue.
Amber Color
The defining amber color is a golden yellow-orange that is often described as warm and bright. This is the shade present in natural amber gemstones and fossils, which take their color from the ancient tree sap that fossilized over millions of years to produce the gem material.
The exact hue can range from yellow to orange and often has a slightly reddish tint. Lighter, pastel versions are sometimes described as “golden amber.” Darker, more orange shades leaning toward reddish-brown are often called “copper amber.” But the most iconic and recognizable amber shade sits somewhere between light golden yellow and deeper orange.
This color is often associated specifically with the fossilized tree resin because it is the natural color of amber gemstones. However, the term “amber” can be used more broadly to describe similar golden yellow-orange shades, whether they occur in nature or not.
Amber in Nature
In nature, amber color is found most prominently in the fossilized tree resin that forms amber gemstones. This organic gem material originates as a sticky tree sap that oozes and flows from certain tree species. The sap then undergoes a gradual process of fossilization over millions of years, hardening into a semi-precious gemstone that retains the original amber color of the soft, golden sap.
The amber color in these fossilized tree resins comes from the natural color pigments present in the original sap. Different tree species produce saps of slightly different shades, resulting in natural variation between golden yellow, orange, reddish-orange, and even greenish amber tones. Famous amber deposits include the Baltic region, which yields pale golden and yellow amber, and the Dominican Republic, which produces deeper orange and copper-colored amber.
Aside from gemstone amber, the golden amber color is found elsewhere in nature:
| Autumn leaves | Leaves turning from green to yellow and orange in fall |
| Honey | Natural golden and amber tones |
| Beer | Golden and amber hues, especially of lagers |
| Sunsets | Golden orange tones in dusk skies |
| Flowers | Yellow and orange varieties like marigolds |
| Butter and brown sugar | Golden yellow-orange natural colors |
| Apricots, peaches, oranges | Golden orange fruit |
| Fire and embers | Glowing amber tones |
So while amber color is most iconically associated with the fossil gemstone, amber-like yellow-oranges occur widely across the natural world.
Amber Pigments and Dyes
Historically, amber color was produced using pigments made from the gemstone itself. Powdered amber could be used as a pigment, producing a stable and consistent amber color for paints, inks, and other media. This practice goes back thousands of years but became especially prominent during the Renaissance, when amber pigments were highly prized.
Today, amber color is easily replicated using synthetic organic pigments and dyes. Modern amber pigments are designed to produce that recognizable golden yellow-orange shade while offering qualities like opacity, durability, and color fastness. They allow amber color to be readily produced across media like:
| Paint | Artists’ paints, house paints |
| Plastics | Pigments added to produce amber-colored plastics |
| Printing | Inks, dyes for amber printing tones |
| Textiles | Fabric dyes for amber-colored cloth |
| Cosmetics | Eyeshadows, blushes, lipsticks |
| Food coloring | Dyes to produce amber food and candy |
Modern amber dyes and pigments allow for access to the classic amber color across many creative fields and industries.
Amber Color Symbolism
In color symbolism, amber is associated with warmth and brightness. Its golden yellow-orange tones evoke sunlight, fire, and autumn leaves. This lends amber colors an energizing and uplifting feel, associated with joy and vigor.
At the same time, amber is associated with antiquity and the organic origins of fossilized tree resin. This gives the color a sense of wisdom, tradition, and longevity. The orange undertones also connect it to the fruits of autumn like peaches and apricots.
Some symbolic amber color meanings include:
| Warmth | Radiant, energizing, uplifting |
| Antiquity | Ancient, traditional, primal |
| Organic | Natural, earthy, rural |
| Renewal | Revitalizing, rejuvenating |
| Fruitfulness | Abundant, ripe, nourishing |
| Wholeness | Complete, balanced, stable |
These positive symbolic meanings make amber a beloved color across cultures.
Amber in Culture and Fashion
The warmth and organic nature of amber makes it a popular decorative color for interior design. Amber glassware, vases, bowls, and other home decor objects create cozy, welcoming ambiance. Jewelry displaying natural amber gems or imitating the color is also common in accessories.
In fashion, amber is a staple neutral in autumnal color palettes. Amber-orange hues pair beautifully with fall standbys like cream, brown, olive green, and rusty reds. Amber clothing, shoes, and bags capture the essence of the season.
Specific cultural associations include:
| Baltic amber | Iconic jewelry, decoration in Baltic regions |
| Hinduism | Auspicious color associated with Lord Vishnu |
| Buddhism | Represents the earth element and stability |
| Ancient Egypt | Used in mummy cases, jewelry, decor |
| Chinese culture | Associated with earth, harvests, stability |
| Western fashion | Quintessential fall neutral color |
No matter the culture, amber tends to bring a warm, earthy, stabilizing feel.
Amber Variations
While amber is defined by those iconic golden orangey-yellow tones, the exact shades can vary:
| Golden amber | Lighter, bright golden yellows |
| Yellow amber | Pure yellow tones, sometimes with green |
| Orange amber | Warmer towards orange and reddish hues |
| Red amber | Reddish orange with hints of brown |
| Green amber | Greenish yellow amber, rare |
| Black amber | Oxidized deep brown-black amber |
Much of this variation comes from differences between amber deposits based on the original tree sap chemistry. But synthetic amber dyes also produce an array of golden-orange options for designers.
Matching Amber Colors
To match an amber color, refer to these common color codes:
| Hex code | #FFBF00 |
| RGB | 255, 191, 0 |
| CMYK | 0, 25, 100, 0 |
| Pantone | PMS 130 |
These specifications all refer to a bright golden orange amber. Adjusting the ratios of the yellow and orange components will produce warmer or cooler variations. Adding a small amount of red can give a more coppery amber effect. Include traces of brown for deeper antique ambers or black for oxidized replicas.
Conclusion
Amber color brings to mind the warm, organic tones of fossilized tree resin while also encompassing the wider world of golden yellow-orange shades. This bright yet earthy color carries positive symbolic meanings and an autumnal energy. From jewelry to clothing to home decor, amber hues create natural vibrancy and cozy ambiance. Whether replicating a natural gemstone shade or exploring new color combinations, amber is a versatile design choice.