Amber
Properties of Amber
Properties of Amber
Amber, although it has no mineral properties or origin, is considered a gemstone by jewelry specialists. It forms from the fossilization of an oleoresin secreted by conifers millions of years ago. It belongs to the family of organic gems, like coral, mother-of-pearl, pearls, and ivory.
Amber is composed of amorphous organic minerals and is very brittle, with a hardness of 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale. Its low density (1.05-1.10) explains why it floats in salt water, as is the case with Baltic amber.
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Amber can vary from transparent to translucent to opaque, with a luster ranging from resinous to oily. Its color range includes shades of yellow, orange, brown, green, blue, and black.
The most important amber deposits are found in Europe (Sweden, Finland, Great Britain, Ukraine and the Baltic Sea between Lithuania and Poland), as well as in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
History of Amber
The term "amber" comes from the Arabic word anbar , which refers to ambergris, a substance highly valued in perfumery and produced by sperm whales. The ancient Greeks called amber elektron , giving rise to the word "electricity," alluding to the electrostatic properties discovered by Thales.
Amber has been known since prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries of jewelry and ornamental objects. Civilizations such as the Egyptians, Mycenaeans, and Romans considered it valuable. For the Romans, it was a symbol of eternal youth, attributed to its ability to preserve insects and small animals trapped inside.
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In Slavic mythology, amber represented petrified tears of the gods, while in Greek mythology, Ovid recounted how the tears of Helios' daughters were transformed into amber.
Today, amber is widely used in jewelry, although its success has led to numerous counterfeits.
Benefits of Amber
Amber has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Currently, in lithotherapy, it is attributed with the following benefits:
Physicists:
It relieves pain such as migraines, dental discomfort, and minor burns.
It benefits the skin by treating conditions such as acne, eczema, and abscesses.
It strengthens the immune system, fights allergies, and promotes healing.
Psychological:
It helps reduce anxiety and fear, promoting serenity and confidence.
It fosters patience, wisdom, and acts as a shield against negativity.
Energetic and karmic:
Related to the heart chakra and the solar plexus.
It helps overcome depression and acts as a preventative against colds and flu.
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Amber care and purification:
Amber can be purified under running water or by leaving it in a bowl of water overnight. Because it is fragile, avoid using chemicals such as solvents or alcohol. It does not need recharging and should not be exposed to sunlight.
