Amber: The Warm Gemstone of the Ages

Amber, a beautiful orange-yellow, translucent stone, is made from fossilized tree resin and often contains inclusions of insects or plants. Popular since pre-Ice Age times, amber has been cherished as a material for both understanding Earth’s history and creating various objects.

Is Amber a Gemstone?

Amber is not technically a mineral, so some might argue it is not a gemstone. However, because amber can be polished and cut for adornment, it is widely considered a gemstone.

Is Amber Rare?

Amber is not particularly rare and is found worldwide, including in Kansas, where it is recognized as the state gemstone. However, Baltic amber, from the Baltic region, holds significant importance.

Join us as we explore the history, value, and uses of amber gemstones!

Amber Stone Overview

Is Amber a Gemstone?

Amber is classified as a semi-precious gem and is one of the few organic gemstones. Historically, names like "elektron" were given to amber for its static electricity properties—it attracts objects when rubbed, much like a balloon! It has also been called "Danish gold" and "the tears of the gods."

Amber is not only valued as a gemstone but also has non-jewelry uses, such as in amber perfumes and incense. What does amber smell like? Its fragrance is a warm blend of smoky, leathery, and piney notes.

Anyone can wear amber stones, although it is said to be a lucky stone for Leo. While not a traditional anniversary gemstone, some Polish Kurpie weddings incorporate amber necklaces as part of the bride’s dowry.

Amber Properties and Characteristics

Amber, originating mostly from pine and other similar trees, can be dated back about 40 million years! The resin contains hydrocarbons, succinic acid, oils, and resins. Here are some properties of amber:

- Hardness: 2-2.5 (Mohs scale)
- Color: Yellow, red, orange, brown, milky white, or black; rarely blue, green, or purple
- Luster: Waxy or resinous
- Transparency: Transparent to opaque
- Refractive Index: 1.54
- Density: 1.00-1.10
- Cleavage: None
- Fracture: Conchoidal
- Streak: White
- Fluorescence: Sometimes fluorescent, yellow or gray-blue under shortwave UV, pale blue or green under longwave UV

Types of Amber

Amber comes in various forms, which can be categorized by color:

- Yellow Amber: The most common variety, usually found in the Baltic region.


- Black Amber: Often deep brown or red due to dark inclusions.


- Green Amber: Rare, making up only 2% of amber; deeper greens are more valuable.


- White Amber: Known as "Royal White" or "Bone White," naturally showcasing gray, blue, honey, or green swirls.


- Red Amber: Comprising only 0.5% of amber, known as “Cherry Amber.”


- Blue Amber: The rarest form, often from the Dominican Republic, glowing blue under UV light.

Significance and History

Amber’s name derives from the Arabic word *anbar*, meaning “perfume.” Many legends surround amber, such as its association with the Baltic Sea and a myth about Jurata, a sea goddess whose palace was destroyed by a lightning strike. Another Slavic story attributes amber to the tears of the Kurpie people after a devastating flood. The Greeks linked amber with Phaethon, son of Helios, whose sisters wept amber tears for him after his tragic death.

Baltic amber is particularly significant, with evidence of its use dating back to the Neolithic period. Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder named it *electrum* and recorded amber jewelry, utensils, and incense use by the ancient Romans.

Uses of Amber and Its Healing Properties

Amber resonates with the solar plexus chakra, often associated with energy, positivity, and warmth. It is believed to help alleviate chronic pain and support emotional healing. Crystal healers often recommend amber for anxiety relief and self-care.

How Amber is Formed and Sourced

Amber dates back 23-56 million years. The resin typically originated from ancient Scandinavian forests. It solidified over time and ended up along the Baltic Sea coastline.

Key Sources of Amber:

- Baltic (Succinite): Highest quality, ranging from dark orange to white.
- Myanmar (Burma Stone): Brownish-yellow to dark brown.
- Dominican Republic: Known for green and blue amber.
- Mexico: Golden yellow and occasionally blue.

Amber Price and Value

Rarer types of amber, like red, green, or amber with unique inclusions, tend to fetch higher prices. Baltic and Russian amber range from $2 to $15 per carat, while raw amber can cost $0.25-$2 per carat. Processed amber jewelry may sell for up to $200 per carat.

Amber Care and Maintenance

To keep amber at its best, use a soft cloth for basic cleaning and avoid exposure to extreme heat or chemicals like alcohol, acids, or solvents. For a polished look, apply a little olive oil and wipe away any excess.

Explore the enchanting beauty of amber today! From ancient adornment to modern-day discovery, amber holds an allure that continues to captivate.

Explore amber for sale now!

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