Amber is a form of fossilized tree resin exuded as a protective mechanism against disease and insect infestation that has hardened and been preserved in the earth's crust over a period of millions of years. It is one of the few gemstones of organic origin and is a soft gemstone measuring 2-2.5 on Mohs Scale.
The gemstone amber is actually an organic substance although it is regarded as a gem. Its structure has changed very little over time, unlike other fossilized material, in which organic matter is replaced with minerals.
Amber was not only one of the first substances used by mankind for jewelry and decoration but was also used as powerful amulets for protection and well being. Amber is still one of the most popular gemstones for jewelry today. Although the most common colors are orange and brown, it also comes in tones of white, black, and green as well.
The two main sources of amber on the market today are the Baltic states and the Dominican Republic. Amber from the former is older, and thus preferred on the market, but that obtained from the latter is more likely to have insect inclusions. Amber prices can range from $20 to $40,000 or more.
Fortunately for new amber enthusiasts, amber from the Baltic states is more widely available on the market than it was in previous years thanks to the liberalisation of the economies of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The largest mine in the Baltic region is in Russia, west of Kaliningrad. Baltic amber is found in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Russia, and occasionally washed up on the shores of the Baltic Sea as far away as Denmark, Norway, and England. Other amber sources include Myanmar (formerly Burma), Lebanon, Sicily, Mexico, Romania, Germany, and Canada.
Demand is especially strong for amber with insects inside it. "Amber is like a time capsule made and placed in the earth by nature herself," said David Federman, author of the Consumer Guide to Colored Gemstones. "It has helped paleontologists reconstruct life on earth in its primal phases. More than 1,000 extinct species of insects have been identified in amber."
There are many myths surrounding the origin of amber. Ovid wrote that when Phaethon, a son of Helios, the sun, convinced his father to allow him to drive the chariot of the sun through the heavens for a day, he erred too close to the earth, scorching it. To save the earth, Zeus struck Phaethon with a thunderbolt and he died, plunging out of the sky. His mother and sister turned into trees in their grief but still mourned him. Their tears, dried by the sun, are amber.
The Greeks called amber 'elektron', sun-made, perhaps because of this story, or perhaps because it becomes electrically charged when rubbed with a cloth and can attract small particles. Homer mentions amber jewelry - earrings and a necklace of amber beads - as a princely gift in the Odyssey.
Another ancient writer, Nicias, said that amber was the juice or essence of the setting sun congealed in the sea and cast up on the shore.
The Romans sent armies to conquer and control amber-producing areas. The Emperor Nero was a great connoisseur of amber. During his time, according to the Roman historian Pliny, the price of an amber figurine, no matter how small, exceeded the price of a healthy slave.
The ancient Germans burned amber as incense, so they called it 'bernstein', or 'burn stone'. Clear colorless amber was considered the best material for rosary beads in the Middle Ages on account of its smooth silky feel. Certain orders of knights controlled the trade, and unauthorized possession of raw amber was illegal in most of Europe by the year 1400.
(Astrological Sign of Leo & Aquarius)
Vibrates to the number 3
Amber is believed to have metaphysical properties that provide health, good luck and spiritual healing. It is said to be one of the stones in the Breastplate of The High Priest.
Amber is further related to the Archangel Uriel, whose name means "God is Light". Uriel heals away resentment and unforgiveness. Uriel's aura glows a pale yellow.
It has been used as a symbol for renewal of marriage vows and to assure promises. It has been said to bring good luck to warriors - mentioned as a possible stone in the Brisling necklace worn by Freya, Goddess of the Valkyries, in Norse mythology.
It is a sacred stone to both Native American and Eastern Indians, used in the fire ceremonies of ancient tribal healers. It has been burned, since medieval days, as a fumigant and incense to clear negativity.
Amber allows the body to heal itself by absorbing and transmuting negative energy into positive energy. It emits a sunny ad bright soothing energy which helps to calm nerves and enliven disposition.
It has been used in the treatment of goiter and other dis-eases of the throat, as well as kidney and bladder maladies. In ancient times, it was used as a penicillin-type remedy, being ground and ingested.
Jurassic Gem 