Extraction, processing and use of amber. Amber Other applications

Amber is an amazing gemstone that is over a hundred million years old. Its creation dates back to the Neolithic era. Amber stone is of organic origin from hardened tree resin.

Origin story

In the Neolithic era, man already had tools that helped him process stones. The finds of archaeologists are surprising: amber was valuable even for primitive people. They have already seen its beauty and unusualness. The first descriptions of tree resin are preserved and exhibited in London; these writings date back to the 10th century BC. The history of amber dates back many centuries AD and a long period before our time. Amber was called the solar gem for its bright yellow hue, reminiscent of the shimmer of a bright luminary. Other names are also very unique - Gift of the Sun, Tears of the Sea. The stone immediately began to be of interest to stone cutters. Scientists of antiquity tried to comprehend its secret.

In different countries, amber was perceived and used in its own way:

The priests of Egypt created incense burners. With its help, the ritual of embalming great pharaohs and creating mummies was carried out.
In Rome, solar gems were used to create unique jewelry for the rich people of the country. Luxury items created by artisans date back to 55–68 AD.
In Greece, amber was called electrum, the meaning of the word is radiance, shining. They took him with them to battles, believing that he would help and bring victory. Electrium was used to make military men's jewelry.
The healing capabilities and properties began to be described by the healer and first physician Hippocrates, then in the Middle Ages the Persian healer Avicena continued.
Other scientists Pliny (Ancient Rome) and Biruni (Asia) discovered the ability to have a beneficial effect on children. They described the healing properties of the stone in childhood.

Jewelry made from solar gifts became most popular in the 17th century. Not a single representative of the nobility refused such luxury items and wealth.

Physical and chemical properties

The resin of centuries-old coniferous trees, fossilized many millions of years ago, received its first treatment with sea water. Gradually, unprocessed amber became a valuable jewelry material and an ornamental stone. Craftsmen choose different educational structures for their products.

The chemical formula of the organic compound is C10H16O. Amber is a compound of organic acids with a high molecular content. The main predominant acid is succinic.

Mineral composition:

C – 79%;
N – 10.5%;
O – 8.5%.

Amber contains numerous impurities. The Baltic is the richest in impurities.

Aluminum Al – 0.7%;
Silicon Si – 0.7%;
Iron Fe – 0.55%;
Sodium Na – 0.16%;
Calcium Ca – 0.1%;
Magnesium Mg – 0.025%;
Manganese Mn – 0.025%;
Copper Cu – 0.001%.

The structure is amorphous. Soft composition - according to the Mohs system, the hardness is 2-3 units, and the density depends on the quantity and quality of impurities - up to 1.3 g / cubic meter. cm.

Varying degrees of transparency: cloudy, translucent specimens and completely transparent stones.

Various glosses: matte, resinous, greasy and glassy. Easy to process and cut. Possible color change after polishing.

Physical characteristics do not match any of the organic stones:

Density is comparable to sea water. Does not sink in salty water solution.
When immersed and kept in fresh water for a long time, the stone increases in volume - it swells.
When dropped into boiling liquid it becomes soft like tar.
Completely disappears when the compound reacts with the chemical composition. Dissolves in nitric acid, alcohol, essential and linseed oils, turpentine, chloroform.
External factors change color and density.
Ultraviolet exposure luminesces amber.
Good conductor of electricity. When rubbed with wool, the dielectricity is 2.863F/m.

Special changes occur with stone under the influence of high heating temperatures:

up to +150 °C - becomes soft;
up to +350 °C - melts. A combustion occurs with the release of ethereal aromas;
up to +1000 °C - completely disappears, decomposes into vapors.

Mining locations

The largest deposits are located on the territory of the Russian Federation:

Kaliningrad region;
Baltic republics.

Succinites are called the gold of the Baltic coast, as they allow the development of jewelry production on a large scale. Baltic amber stands out for its processing value. Photos of the stone allow you to see what a gem from different deposits looks like.

Other stone groups are found:

Dominican Republic;
Sicily;
Germany;
Ukraine;
Mexico;
Canada;
Romania;
Poland;
Myanmar.

Interesting video: How is amber mined and found?

The healing powers of amber

They are trying to translate the healing stone into different languages. One of its names is a protector against diseases. Translation of Lithuanian pronunciation – Gintars.

Recognizing the healing properties of the stone, scientists tried to find better uses for it. They looked for the possibility of healing from various diseases in it. German researcher and scientist A. Aurifaber developed and presented more than 40 recipes.

The gift of the sea was used to treat many diseases:

Jaundice;
Damage to internal systems;
Painless teething;
Diseases of the throat, ears, eyes.

Scientists have proven the healing properties of succinic acid contained in the stone for calming and antispasmodic effects.

Modern healers use organic formations for other diseases:

Headache;
Heart failure;
Arthritis;
Normalization of metabolism;
Pathologies of the skin;
Blood diseases;
Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract;
Kidney failure;
The healing stone relieves inflammation and stimulates the central nervous system.

Of particular importance for humans is noted in the treatment of the thyroid gland, its pathological changes, tumors and goiters. Crumbs of the solar gift are added to mixtures and medicinal tinctures. Healers believe that the mineral is unique; the properties of the stone can improve the course of any disease.

Magical properties of amber

Sorcerers, mediums and magicians prepared elixirs of eternal youth based on the stone. Beauty seemed to flow from within, strengthening health and increasing the strength of a person.

The Slavs used amber necklaces and beads to protect against the evil eye. Small crumbs of stone provided unique incense in church ritual events. The spirit of the stone protected a person’s faith, endowed the soul with strength and hope for the help of the Higher Mind. The incense of the stone in the East not only strengthened the spirit, but also healed the body exhausted by disease.

Magical abilities:

Protection from the evil eye;
Strengthening intuitive abilities;
Bring good luck;
Give cheerfulness;
The symbol of health is one of the meanings of the stone, recognized in the world.

Talismans and amulets

In the religions of different nations, amber gems were used to prepare objects for rituals. In Italy, amulets ensured a good harvest and good luck in the hunt.

Seafood amulets are used in rituals to bring back loved ones and attract attention. Talismans protect against fire. Many sorcerers make amulets from stone to create an atmosphere of happiness, comfort and mutual understanding in their homes.

Amber color variety

The composition of impurities affects the color. The more different inclusions, the more interesting and rich the range of shades. Jewelers and researchers have described more than 300 colors of the solar gem. Impurities also change the refraction of white light by the stone. The color scheme reflects all shades of brown.

The color of an organic mineral can be:

Delicate honey;
Light yellow;
Golden;
Milky white;
Greenish;
Ivory;
Brown-black;
Red.

The range varies from almost colorless specimens to beautiful black amber. Fossilized remains of plants and insects can often be seen in resin. Such specimens increase the value of the products. It is better to buy them by finding out the price per gram posted on the Internet.

How to spot a fake

Pressed amber has begun to appear frequently in the modern market for amber products. It is cloudy, a fake is obtained using a complex process of combining young amber (tens of thousands of years old) and ground powder of a natural mineral. Jewelry made from such material loses strength and therefore can last much less time. There are also imitation solar gems on the market.

You can check the naturalness in several ways:

Consider the color. The appearance of true amber is distinguished by its richness, uniqueness, and unique internal air bubbles.
Feel it. A stone of natural quality is warm, pleasant, and gives a feeling of a surge of positive energy.
Heat. The sea gem will begin to exude the aroma of coniferous trees.
Place in salt water. Amber should rise to the surface.
Electrostaticity experiment. Rub the stone and the paper and threads should be attracted.
The presence of luminescent properties. Under ultraviolet light the stone glows.

Interesting video: How to properly check to distinguish amber or fake?

Rules for caring for products with amber

Amber jewelry requires care and careful handling. Jewelry and amber items should be stored in packages with hard, durable walls. It is not recommended to place the stone next to other metal products. The storage temperature should always be approximately the same; sudden changes disrupt the composition of the organic formation.

Amber should not be cleaned with soap or chemicals. It is better to simply rinse it with clean water if it is heavily soiled. When deformed, the stone is restored by a master jeweler.

Amber and zodiac signs

The meaning in astrology has been studied comprehensively. To the question of who is suitable for a semi-precious stone, the answer can be: almost everyone. Signs of the zodiac circle receive only positive energy and health protection from jewelry with amber. The solar gem is ideal for Leos. It becomes their powerful defense against black forces, increases vitality, strength of aspiration, and receives the gift of foresight.

Taurus is not advised to choose amber products. For them, it is dangerous by changing the line of fate. The compatibility of a sign and a stone is difficult and dangerous.

Stone classification

Scientists have divided the outwardly similar stone into groups. Each of them has its own characteristics and features:

Succinites. The most common group. The difference is the composition of the resin - a high percentage of succinic acid. Amber is considered the highest quality.
Glessites. Distinctive characteristics: opaque, contains a minimum amount of impurities.
Gedanites. A fragile organic compound, the explanation for this lies in the small amount of oxygen. There is no succinic acid. The group is called "rotten stone" due to its lack of strength and ability to work with it.
Stantenites. Properties: fragility, opacity. The shade of the sunstone is brown-black.
Bockerites. Properties: excellent density, opacity. The color shade is dark brown.
Kiscellites. Yellow, olive, green specimens.
Schraufits. Yellow-red, bloody stones.

Application of amber

Groups are used depending on belonging to a certain classification type.

Jewelry;
Inlay of products;
Pharmaceuticals;
Medical industry;
Agriculture;
Chemical production;
Technique.

Solar gift is included in medicines, enamels, and is an insulating material of excellent quality and special properties.

Amber - magical properties and meaning of the stone, zodiac signs

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The question of the origin of amber has concerned humanity since ancient times. At the dawn of human civilization, mythical origin was attributed to it, and this gave rise to countless myths, legends and beliefs. In particular, Sophocles (circa 496-406 BC) believed that amber was formed from the tears of birds mourning the ancient hero Meleager. Popular literature about amber invariably describes the poetic myth of Phaeton, written by the Roman poet Ovid (beginning of our era). Amber is the tears of the wife and daughters of the Sun god, who mourned Phaeton. Phaeton's mother and his sisters grew into the ground and turned into trees. Their tears dripped from the branches and, under the influence of the sun's heat, hardened and turned into amber.

The very first plausible information about the origin of amber belongs to the ancient Roman writer and scientist Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD). In his “Natural History”, he noted the complete inconsistency of the fantastic views of ancient predecessors and substantiated the plant origin of amber: amber is the resin of conifers hardened under the influence of cold, time or sea water. As indisputable evidence of this, the scientist cited the following arguments:

when rubbed, amber smells like resin;
it burns with a smoky flame, similar to the resin of coniferous trees;
contains insect inclusions.

It would seem that a simple explanation of the origin of amber, which is now understandable to every schoolchild, has been interpreted differently by scientists for thousands of years. So, already in the 2nd century. AD It was generally accepted that amber was ambergris, derived from the secretions of whales or the day-tired Sun, which flowed into the ocean at dusk, where the waves churned it like butter from cream.

In the Middle Ages, amber and the problem of its origin did not attract the attention of researchers. Over the past centuries, the issue under consideration has moved even further away from its objective resolution compared to ancient times.

Since the XVI century. interest in amber and questions of its genesis grew more and more. The German mineralogist and metallurgist Georg Agricola (1494-1555) believed that amber was formed from the liquid bituminous substance of the earth's interior, which subsequently hardened in air. It is believed that G. Agricola in 1546 first discovered “amber resin” in the products of amber distillation. And Aurifaber. generally supporting the views of G. Agricola, he refuted the possibility of a plant origin of amber by the absence of trees on the shores of the Baltic and on the islands from which resin could flow into the sea. The theory of the bituminous origin of amber by G. Agricola was dominant until the end of the 16th-17th centuries. Throughout all subsequent eras until the 18th century. the question of the origin of amber was resolved from the standpoint of its organic and inorganic origin.

M.V. Lomonosov scientifically refuted the arguments of supporters of the inorganic formation of amber and proved its plant origin - from the resin of coniferous trees. In his treatise “On the Layers of the Earth,” he wrote: “Amber is a product of the Plant Kingdom.” The scientist told us in poetic form how fossils could get into amber (translation by M.V. Lomonosov of the Roman poet Martial):

An ant walking in the poplar shade
I got my foot stuck in the sticky resin.
Although he was despicable among people in his life.
After death, in amber, they became precious.

Proponents of the organic origin of amber interpreted the mechanism of its occurrence differently. Thus, K. Rappolt, a professor of physics at the former University of Königsberg, believed that amber on the Baltic coast was formed during forest fires in the coastal zone, when resin seeping from tree trunks flowed onto the forest floor and melted (at this time various insects could get into it) . The resin was then covered with sand or surf and carried out to sea. Among the fantastic explanations of organic origin, we note the idea of the famous naturalist J.L. Buffon, according to which amber was formed from forest honey contained in the hollows of trees. As a result of the death of the latter, the honey was buried in the soil, where, under the influence of sulfuric acid, it hardened and turned into amber.

The origin of amber - modern opinion

From the beginning of the 19th century. and to this day, no one doubts the idea of the organic origin of amber. Scientific disputes are ongoing regarding the detailed mechanism of formation of certain mineral types of fossil resins in general and amber-succinite in particular at different stages of formation, the origin of succinic acid and color shades, paleogeographic and paleolandscape settings, the time of formation of amber, the reasons for such an abundant flow of oleoresin (succinosis) geologically simultaneously in a number of Cretaceous and Paleogene eras and over vast territories in different parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

The resin from fossil resin-producing trees did not immediately turn into amber. Since those ancient times, it has gone through an extremely complex and long path of physical and chemical transformations and spatial movements, conventionally divided into three time stages (stages).

At the first stage of these transformations, oxidation of resin acids and hardening of resin, which fell on the daytime surface under conditions of a warm climate, moderate humidity, exposure to light rays and the presence of oxygen, took place. The evaporation of volatile substances of resin was carried out due to the oxidation of turpentines and terpene hydrocarbons with the formation of peroxides and hydroperoxides of terpenes. These processes of resin hardening directly in the “amber” forest took place over hundreds of years.

The next stage, which lasted thousands (possibly up to a million) years, is characterized by the accumulation of oleoresin in the soil of the “amber” forest and the formation of so-called primary biogenic (eluvial) deposits, which have little practical significance. In the sandy loam soils of the “amber” forest, intensive decomposition of wood enriched with resin occurred. As a result of oxidative processes, rosin acids formed a number of isomers with the same chemical composition, but with a change in properties. At this stage, the solubility of fossil resins in various organic compounds decreased significantly, the melting point increased, the hardness increased and, in general, the resin began to acquire the basic properties of amber. But it was not amber yet. During the burial of resin, depending on the specific paleolandscape conditions (dry or swampy areas), fossilization of fossil resins could lead to their carbonization, blackening and even destruction (when merging with the host coals). In cases of reducing swamp environments, where the degree of oxidation of resins was clearly insufficient, fossil resins were subsequently formed that differed significantly in their properties from succinite amber (for example, gedanite).

The final stage of amber formation covers the longest period of time, thousands, perhaps millions of years. It began with the erosion and redeposition of the soils of the “amber” forest, the erosion of primary biogenic amber deposits. The latter, like the ancient surface on which trees abundantly producing oleoresin grew, have not been preserved in the Baltic region to date. They were completely destroyed by further geological and physical-geographical processes in the late Paleogene and Neogene. Under the influence of external (exogenous) processes occurring on the earth's surface, fossil resin (“resin of centuries”), together with the products of destruction of the soils of “amber” forests, was carried into river valleys, through which the material was transported to sea bodies of water. The sea basin was the final point where the final transformation of oxidized resin into amber took place under the alkaline conditions of the seabed and with the participation of glauconite. It was the sea reservoir that contributed to the formation of specific structural rearrangements that determined the characteristic essential properties of succinite amber. The formation of succinic acid is probably associated with this stage. Fossil resin (for example, gedanite, retinite) transferred to the sea basin from the swampy areas of the “amber” forest, being still insufficiently oxidized, still could not acquire the characteristic properties of real amber-succinite.

In the sea and estuarine parts of rivers, depending on the bottom topography, coastal wave activity and sea currents, periodic advances (transgressions) and retreats (regressions) of the sea, there was a redistribution and burial of fossil resin in sandy-silty sediments. As a result, in the late Eocene - early Oligocene (about 40-30 million years ago), marine, coastal-marine and lagoon-deltaic, the richest in content and now buried placers of amber, were formed on the slopes of the shield.

In subsequent geological epochs, right up to geological modernity, as a result of changes in the outlines of sea basins, the general and uneven rise of land and many other natural causes, the amber-bearing placers already formed at the end of the Eocene were and are still subject to erosion and redeposition. As a result, we have a whole complex of younger redeposited amber placers. There are Upper Paleogene (lower and upper Oligocene), Neogene - marine, lagoonal-deltaic, lacustrine, alluvial, etc., as well as Pleistocene - lacustrine-glacial, glacial, eluvial-deluvial, aeolian, modern channel placers; in the Baltic states there are scatterings of modern sea beaches.

Probably the most mysterious and unusual stone is amber, because some of its varieties are a real rarity, although, in most cases, its price is affordable for a person with any income level. It is noteworthy that in regions where there is a lot of amber, the local population does not consider it a “precious” at all and assigns it the function of rosin if something needs to be sealed or soldered, because its extraction is not particularly difficult, because “Baltic gold” From time to time, the icy sea “spits out” onto the coast.

Description of the stone

Amber consists predominantly of carbon, the share of which is just over 70%. Its chemical composition also contains oxygen and hydrogen in equal parts and small admixtures of nitrogen, sulfur and ash, and from this we can conclude that this stone belongs to high-molecular compounds. Naturally, the Baltic Sea is not the only source of amber, but it cannot be said that it is widespread, but, for example, in the Dominican Republic it is found, and the stone is shaped like frozen tears, and therefore is valued higher.

Colors and varieties

There is an opinion that amber is represented only by all shades of yellow, but in fact, the palette of colors is much wider, and there are about four hundred of them. It is clear that golden, yellow and orange stones occupy leading positions, and the epithet “sunny” refers specifically to them, but the cost of such specimens is usually low, although it is directly influenced by the size of the stone and the presence of foreign inclusions in it , and processing method. The classic version of amber is a stone that has the color of wax and has a high degree of transparency. Yellow-red gems are also considered “classics of the genre.”

Calling amber a stone is not entirely correct, since in the 19th century, scientists around the world finally came to the consensus that it is the hardened resin of pine trees. Why doesn’t the resin become amber now?! There is an explanation for this: about 50 million years ago, on a separate territory of the Baltic Sea there was land on which relict pine trees grew. But a sharp warming occurred, which caused an intense release of resin, and it became the main structural element of amber, and if a part of a plant or an insect can be found inside the stone, then it becomes much more valuable than ordinary samples.

In what ways could the “gold of the Baltic” not be mined? And even to this day, some of them are used, for example, simple collecting on beaches and shallows, and sometimes nets with a long handle are used for these purposes, through which algae is caught with ancient resin entangled in it. Naturally, the industrial extraction of amber has a more global scale and is fundamentally different from the methods that literally every “sea gold miner” can use.

Healing properties of the stone

In ancient times, it was believed that diseases that amber could not cure did not exist in nature. This opinion has survived to this day, therefore, the “gold of the Baltic” has not lost any of its medicinal properties, and its active use in folk medicine is a clear confirmation of this. First of all, everyone who watches their figure and controls their weight should pay attention to it, because constantly wearing an amber bracelet or necklace will help speed up metabolism and cleanse the body. And people engaged in mental work can safely take a natural biostimulant - succinic acid, sold in any pharmacy.

Heavy smokers should consider purchasing an amber cigarette holder, which partially neutralizes nicotine and reduces the risk of lung cancer. Amber crumb is included in medications, the most effective of which is amber tincture, which is a real panacea for colds and especially pulmonary ailments. It is noteworthy that it is not only the stone itself that heals, but also the smoke generated when it burns. It is this divine incense that can relieve old coughs and is very helpful for asthma.

Magical properties of Amber

Amber is a solar stone, and from this it follows that it can be considered a symbol of joy, fun and happiness. It is not for nothing that many people assign it the role of a talisman, because in essence, it is a powerful amulet that can protect from enemies and increase health. This is the stone of all optimists and creators, as well as those who in life trust more in their hearts than in their minds. It enhances intuition, brings peace to the home, and makes a person more successful. In general, we can highlight several properties unique to amber:

Meaning of Zodiac Signs

No woman can resist the beauty of amber, but every man can handle the purchase of amber beads or any other jewelry. But wearing them will not benefit everyone, because there is such a science - astrology, and it must be taken into account. Naturally, the ruling planet of amber is the Sun, which means that it is most suitable for representatives of the Fire Element - Sagittarius, Leo and Aries.

Representatives of other zodiac constellations can also benefit from the favor of the “sun” stone, with the exception of Taurus. Of course, wearing amber jewelry will not seriously affect your well-being, but the benefits from it will tend to zero, since all Taurus are not able to react properly to this stone, and in especially severe cases it even irritates them and distracts them from something very important.

In general, the division according to “zodiac signs” is very arbitrary, since the “gold of the Baltic” can find its owner on its own, because if the stone does not suit a person, then he will certainly feel it and refuse to wear it. One can only envy representatives of the Fire Element, because amber enhances their already stormy temperament. For Water and Air signs, this stone can be worn as jewelry and used for healing. Earth signs themselves are not particularly enthusiastic and active, and gigantic resin can make them even lazier and more indifferent, so it is better for them to choose other talismans.

Is amber classified as a precious stone?

Not a single type of amber, even those with a rare color, is classified as a precious stone. Yes, it can have a high cost, but amber will never stand on a par with emeralds and diamonds, because it is a stone of organic origin and its structure is far from perfect, since it is an amorphous substance that does not have a crystalline structure.

How to spot a fake

A skillful fake can be purchased both from a street seller and in an expensive jewelry store, and in order not to become a victim of deception and not pay money for a piece of plastic, you need to know the following:

There are too many air bubbles in fakes.
Uniform coloring of all beads of the product is a sign of falsification.
Stone of natural origin has a more interesting color and unusual pattern.
Amber is always warm to the touch and cannot be scratched with a fingernail.
Plastic or glass beads, passed off as amber, are too heavy.
If you rub amber in your hands, it will begin to exude the aroma of resin.

Let's talk about what amber is, how and where it is mined.

This resin will take a very long time before it becomes stone.

There has been heated debate among scientists for a long time about what amber is. But now this is known for sure.

Amber is a resin. It is mined like a fossil mineral. Used as and in . In ancient times, this mineral was used as fuel because it burns well.

Due to different climatic conditions, the mineral has its own unique color in each area. Therefore, Baltic stone cannot be confused with Caribbean or any other stone. Each stone has its own regional characteristics.

Origin of amber

Even ancient scientists came to the conclusion that amber is of plant origin. The Roman scientists Pliny and Tacitus pointed out the specific plant smell when rubbing the mineral, as well as the fact that small animals also smelled it. Tacitus believed that amber was the frozen juice of plants that fell into the sea.

The 16th century German mineralogist Agricola believed that the mineral was of inorganic origin.

In the 18th century, the theory of plant origin was confirmed by the Swede Linnaeus, a famous botanist. A little later, Russian scientist Mikhail Lomonosov came to the same conclusion.

Scientists have proven that the amber stone that is now mined was formed more than 40 million years ago from amber-bearing pines, that is, it is of plant origin. At that time they grew in North America, Greenland, and Eurasia. Under the influence of climatic conditions, resin was released, which petrified and fell over the years. The coming sea carried her away from the shores.

Amber stone is a truly amazing creation of nature. The unique properties of fossilized tree resin became known to man thousands of years ago. And now natural amber is widely used in medicine, in various industries and, of course, in jewelry. This solar gem is surrounded by myths and legends, and its unusual appearance always attracts attention.

As archaeological finds by scientists have shown, the sunstone amber was processed by people who inhabited our planet back in Neolithic times. The archives of the British Museum contain documentary evidence that this material was actively used as early as the tenth century BC. It is known, for example, that the nobility of ancient Rome preferred various luxury items with amber inlay.

What amber was was also known in Egypt, where objects made from it were used during various rituals. At the same time, the balsamic properties that fossilized resin possesses were discovered. Legends about amber have circulated since the times of Ancient Greece, where it was believed that this “stone of the Sun” could help warriors win victories over the most serious opponents.

Useful information about the benefits of amber can be found in the great works of such scientists as Hippocrates, Avicenna, and Pliny. All of them noted its extraordinary healing effect on the human body. Both in China and during the Middle Ages in Europe, treatment with amber was popular and its use not only as decoration, but also as a powerful amulet against evil spirits.

Ilektr (or ilektron) is the name of amber in Ancient Rus'. During excavations on the territory of modern Novgorod, workshops were found in which its processing was carried out. Amber jewelry was in great demand, as were various crafts. If there was a surplus of raw materials coming from the Baltic states, they were sold to the countries of Central Asia and the East.

Description and properties

The origin of amber remained a mystery for a long time. It was only in the 19th century that scientists came to a common conclusion about how amber is formed. They found that it was hardened resin from coniferous trees, several tens of millions of years old.

Png" alt="" width="80" height="68"> The largest deposits are located on the Baltic coast. It is in these places that succinite amber is mined, which is of the highest quality and most expensive. In addition to the “Baltic gold”, there are other varieties that were discovered on the American continent, in the Dominican Republic, and in Europe (Poland, Germany, Ukraine).

The largest amber in the world is Burmese amber. Pieces found in Burma reach a weight of several kilograms.

Natural amber (chemical formula C10H16O) is an amorphous substance that does not have a crystalline structure. This is why it is not a gemstone. Consisting mainly of carbon, it also contains various impurities (silicon, aluminum, iron, copper, manganese and others).

Its physical properties are also interesting:

Has good electrical conductivity.
When exposed to ultraviolet light it begins to luminesce.
If you place an amber stone in fresh water, it will swell after a long time.
Disappears when reacting with turpentine, alcohol, nitric acid.
Changes its state when heated. It softens at 150°C, melts and burns when heated to 350°C, and decomposes when the temperature increases to 1000°C.

Raw amber is mined in various ways. In ancient times, it was simply collected on the coast when the shiny orange pebbles washed up by the sea. Sometimes it was possible to use nets to collect algae in which sparkling samples were entangled. Over time, mining moved out to sea, with valuable material dredged directly from the bottom. Then they began to harrow the area near the sea or dig up amber. Since the beginning of the 19th century, mining has been carried out through open pits.

Variety of colors

It seems surprising, but the color of amber can be very diverse. Depending on the impurities included in the composition, the shade also changes. Nowadays, more than two hundred and fifty different colors are known that ancient hardened resin can acquire.

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Classic types of amber are transparent stones that have a rich yellow or orange-red color and shimmer with gold. Sometimes it is possible to find a specimen where a piece of an ancient plant or an insect remains inside a drop of resin. Pebbles with such inclusions are unique and cost an order of magnitude higher.

Red amber is also found in nature. This stone earned special honor and popularity among the Japanese and Chinese. They gave it the name "dragon's blood" because of its rich cherry hue. Jewelry inlaid with it could only be worn by very rich and respected people, members of a dynasty of rulers. This unusual color was obtained as a result of exposure to very high temperatures, namely fires, which affected the shade of the resin.

White amber attracts attention, although in reality it is not that way. This is just a yellow variety that has small particles of water and air wedged into its structure, turning the existing color white. A stone of this color is called differently: milky amber or royal amber. And if particles of soil and plants got into the resin before it hardened, a green tint was obtained.

An interesting story is associated with amber, the color of which can vary from pale blue to bright cornflower blue. Previously, it was thought that this color was given by the mineral vivianite, which is part of the composition. But then it turned out that this was due to an optical illusion - light is refracted in very small voids, which makes such an unusual coloring possible.

The most popular varieties are the following:

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The beneficial properties of amber are as varied as its color palette.

Medicinal properties

The healing properties of amber have been known to people for a very long time. Even ancient healers believed that this gem could cure any disease and improve human health. Modern lipotherapists agree with ancient practices and actively use this stone in medicine.

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Amber is very useful for the thyroid gland, as it contains iodine, which is useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases of this organ. In addition, it has a positive effect on metabolism, which helps normalize weight. This will also be facilitated by the property of the stone to cleanse the body of slagging.

Succinic acid, which is a natural biostimulant, and crumbs are used to prepare medications that are indicated for colds and diseases of the respiratory system. Even the smoke that is released during combustion is recognized as beneficial. With its help you can cure cough and alleviate the condition of patients with asthma. And if you smoke tobacco using an amber mouthpiece, you can reduce the harmful effects on the body.

Amber relieves inflammation and has a bactericidal effect. It can relieve toothache and joint pain. And if you apply pieces of it to your temples, your headache will go away. You will improve the functioning of your heart and blood vessels. Amber will help get rid of stress and will be useful in the treatment and prevention of cancer. It is used to treat skin diseases and strengthen teeth.

By learning the healing properties of amber and who can benefit from wearing it, you can improve your health and get rid of many problems.

Magic properties

The magical properties of amber are very diverse. Since very ancient times, it has been used as an incredibly powerful amulet and used in various rituals. This sunstone has always been and continues to be a symbol of happiness and longevity. Such a talisman will always protect its owner from all sorts of negativity from the outside world. Red amber was most often used for various magical rituals.

If you ask the question about who amber is suitable for, you cannot get a definite answer. It will have its magical effect depending on what a person needs at the moment. It will give creative people inspiration and strength to create. It will help people who are depressed to overcome this condition. It will give confidence to those who do not dare to take a step and begin some new stage in life. It is better for romantic people to have royal amber with them, which will help cope with the suffering of love.

It is believed that amber is an excellent amulet for the home. He will be able to protect the home from fires and thieves, create a favorable atmosphere, ensuring harmony in the family. Keeping an amber piece near your bed will help you fall asleep more easily. Bad thoughts and bad dreams will stop bothering you. An amber amulet will be useful for women who are expecting the birth of a child. And white amber will protect the baby from diseases of the evil eye.

Compatibility with zodiac signs

According to astrologers, amber is a solar stone that is most suitable for people born under the signs of the element of Fire.

Jpg" alt="Lion" width="60" height="60">.jpg" alt="Aries" width="60" height="60">.jpg" alt="Sagittarius" width="60" height="60"> Для Льва, Овна и Стрельца он будет лучшим выбором, усиливая положительные качества, присущие им. Такой талисман сможет защитить от порчи и сглаза, в разы увеличить интуитивные способности и дать еще больше жизненной силы.!}

Signs of Water and Air can safely wear amber and enjoy its support. For these signs it will also become a symbol of health and happiness.

Jpg" alt="" width="60" height="60"> But this stone is not suitable for Taurus at all. Nobody forbids Taurus to wear amber jewelry, but this will not be of any benefit. It may also happen that people Those born under this sign will become overly irritable and will not be able to focus on important moments in life. They can become lazy and apathetic, like other Earth signs.

However, there is another opinion, according to which the Zodiac Signs do not matter at all when choosing an amulet. Amber has such powerful energy that it can choose its owner. If this is not your stone, then you will definitely feel it yourself and will not wear such jewelry.

How to care for amber

Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="https://karatto.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/yantar-11.jpg" alt=" amber jewelry" width="130" height="223">!} In order for amber jewelry to serve you as long as possible, it is important to properly care for it. Amber is a fairly soft material, so it should not be allowed to constantly interact with metal and hard products. If your jewelry becomes dirty, clean it using only water. Any cleaning products or rough brushes will damage its surface.

Do not allow the product to overheat to avoid deformation. If you do notice that the gem has changed shape or become cloudy, then jewelry professionals will be able to help in this situation. Store amber items in the dark, avoiding them hitting the sides of the box. When choosing what to wear amber with, give preference to a gold or copper frame.

Png" alt="" width="80" height="80"> If you decide to purchase a beautiful piece of honey amber jewelry, you should know that there are also fakes. Natural material can be distinguished using the following tips:

Examine the product carefully. The color of natural stone cannot be uniform. Each piece has a unique pattern, for example, like landscape amber, which is incredibly valued by jewelers. You should also be confused by the large presence of air bubbles and sparkles.
Hold the stone in your hands. A real gem is pleasant to touch, it is warm.
If you dip amber beads (or any other item) into a very salty solution, they will float to the surface. The fake will sink to the bottom.
If you rub amber, it will show its electrostatic properties and will be able to attract pieces of paper.
By slightly heating natural amber, you will feel a pine smell. The artificial product will emit an unpleasant plastic smell.

Amber is a unique gift from nature, which not only delights with its extraordinary appearance, but also surprises with its diverse and very useful properties for humans.