7 Amazing Facts About Amber Gemstone
Amber gemstone is one of the most popular, and interesting, jewelry pieces in the world. Here are 7 amazing facts that we bet you didn't know about amber.
Keyword(s): amber gemstone
Amber is considered a gem because it glows and glistens when polished, but Amber is not actually a gemstone. It is the hardened resin of certain types of ancient trees that have been fossilized over millennia.
Because of its unique properties, Amber has been adorned and studied relentlessly for centuries. It has been widely used for a variety of reasons including jewelry.
Every Amber gemstone is unique and most likely mined from the Baltic region where most Amber deposits are found. It is estimated that there have been over 105 tons of Baltic Amber produced by the Palaeogene forests in Northern Europe. It is the largest known deposit of fossilized plant resin on earth.
Baltic Amber, in lieu of Dominican Amber, is the highest quality for the preservation of fossil insects, something we'll get into a little later on.
For now, here's a list of all the great things you didn't know about the Amber gemstone, that's not really a gemstone at all.
Amber Gemstone Colors
Surprisingly enough,Amber comes in a variety of luxurious colors. The most common color is the same as its name implies, a brownish honey color. But there are in fact 256 identified shades of Amber.
If you find blue amber, it is most likely Dominican but Baltic Amber has been treated to have the same deep blue effect.
Naturally, as we know this to be a form of resin, we expect the color ranges of yellow, orange, burnt red or copper colors and even sometimes cream or white. Some Amber may be green or even violet depending on the plant material that was originally preserved in the piece.
Astrology
Amber is classified as a gemstone for several different signs of the Zodiacfor its strength and energy.
It is the birthstone for the astrological sign of Cancer because it's been thought to reflect the energy of the sunniest and warmest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere where it is found. Cancer falls from June 21 (the summer solstice) until July 22.
You might also see it listed as a birthstone for the astrological sign of Taurus. It fits and aligns with this sign appropriately for the nature lover in the scope of its own earthy origins.
The orange-gold colors in Amber are supposed to stabilize higher energies in the physical body and therefore influence Taurus' by calming them and offering protection and balance.
Fashion
Amber has beenused in jewelrysince at least 11,000 BCE. It was polished and carved to make jewelry according to ancient archeological sites in England.
Instead of wearing the precious gem, women in Rome rubbed it in their hands such as someone might use a 'worry stone' today. They believed that the continual contact with Amber would promote a youthful appearance in their looks.
Because of its healing properties, people in Lithuania still offer beaded Amber necklaces to newborn babies today. Amber amulets were worn to enhance fertility in Rome. Bands of Amber rings were used in wedding ceremonies to ensure an eternal bond and represents renewed fidelity in marriage, today.
Healing Properties
Amber has been sought after for medicinal purposes dating back to antiquity.
Nicolaus Copernicus kept an original recipe for medicine that contained Amber. Hippocrates described medicinal properties and methods for application of Amber that was later used by scientists until the Middle Ages.
It is proven that Baltic Amber contains 3-8% of succinic acid which is widely used in contemporary medicine. Succinic acid improves immunity, thereby strengthening the body.
During the Middle Ages when the plague swept across towns killing their inhabitants, Amber was used as a fumigant to prevent the spread of the disease. It has been noted that men fumigating with the substance never perished from the disease. Aromatherapy has become a popular use for Amber.
Symbolism
Amber is closely tied to preservation and therefore has been donned a vessel of eternal youth. Some cultures thought because of the preservation of insects in the thick resin that it was the resting place for departed souls.
This fine gem is associated with much symbolism including its first use, worn for good luck. It is also thought to provide general protection, particularly from evil.
Amber is the symbol of renewed and continual faith in marriage and represents the everlasting bond of eternal love. It is also the tenth-anniversary gem.
In New Age practices, Amber is believed to open the third Chakra to help provide mental clarity, instill confidence and balance moods.
You might also find that amber has the following symbolic effects:
- Develops patience and wisdom
- Eliminates Fear
- Clears the mind
- Relieves headaches
- Dissolves negative energy
Archeological History
As we now know that Amber is not really a gemstone, it should be noted that it does take millions of years and proper burial conditions for Amber to form properly. Originally, it was what we know as tree sap, emerging from the tree to heal itself from abrasion.
Over time, as the sap, or resin hardens, it becomes the translucent, lovely stone that you know today.
Scientists have been studying Amber for centuries to learn more about extinct species. More than 1000 extinct insect species have been discovered to date.
Amber has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 3200 BCE and thought to have been brought over from the Baltic Coast.
There is much history that we can learn from Amber.
Mythology
Perhaps the most popularly unknown fact about Amber is its electric properties. Amber will produce static energy when rubbed against a cloth, producing sparks and attracting small particles. For this reason, the Greeks gave it the name 'elektron, which has become the word for electricity by today's standards.
The Greeks also thought that Amber was pieces of the sun that had broken off as the sun fell into the sea each night.
Buying Amber Gemstone Jewelry
You can find Amber gemstone jewelry at many fine retailers and specialty shops but it's important to watch out for imposters. Real amber is powdery if scraped, such as with a knife. Fake amber flakes.
Amber is a gorgeous accessory to any outfit for any occasion and makes a great conversation piece. You can tell all your friends what a unique organic product it is. Allow yourself to be admired for sharing this beautiful and elegant piece of jewelry.
If you're looking for a genuine Amber gemstone,contact us!Look no further for your piece of archeological history.
