AMBER - Amber is a beautiful stone that is cut and polished and used as a valuable gemstone. As it is a fossil, it can contain many preserved insects and other animals and plants that are tens of millions of years old. The odd inclusions that are often seen in amber usually add to amber's unique look and in many cases greatly increase its value. The fossils that are encased in amber probably got there when they flew or crawled on to the fresh seeping sap and then got stuck. The sap oozed over the trapped animals and perhaps fell to the ground and was later covered by dirt and debris. The sap later hardened and became a fossil.
CHEMISTRY: C10H160 + H2S
CRYSTALLOGRAPHY: Amorphous
REFRACTIVE INDEX: 1.540 (+.005 -.001)
HARDNESS: 2 - 2.5
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 1.05 to 1.096, usually 1.08. (Air bubbles will lower SG.)
COLOR: golden, yellow, orange
CLEAVAGE: None
HEAT SENSITIVE: Very
SPECIAL CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Avoid rough handling, heat and chemicals. Amber can be attacked, (partially dissolved,) by solvents, alcohol, etc.
ENHANCEMENTS: Amber is darkened by heating. If done properly, this also creates the “star spangles” effects. Amber can also be dyed to darken the color.
Amber is often imitated by plastics, colored glasses and some modern tree resins. However, its hardness is usually greater and it is tougher than other resins. Its low specific gravity (amber can float on salt water) and inclusions can distinguish it from plastics and glass.
The first thing to note about amber (other than its beauty, of course) is that it is the fossilized resin from species of extinct pine trees and also, possibly, some sort of legume plant. Therefore, it is not a true stone. However, it is certainly a true gem. Its name is derived from the arabic word "ambar" which means "ambergris". Ambergris is the waxy substance expelled by sperm whales which is used as a perfume fixative. In ancient days it was believed that amber was created when the sun descended into the sea and bits of it broke off, cooled and became amber which then washed-up on shore. Therefore, both substances (amber and ambergris) were valuable substances which came from the sea. Amber is a gorgeous, golden, translucent or transparent gem that often has inclusions contained within its depths. These inclusions were trapped when the future amber was still in its sappy state. They can range from parts of plants to insects. Inclusions generally increase amber's value because they testify to its genuineness. This is important because amber is a very easy gem to imitate. It is such a light gem that one may distinguish impostors by trying to float the gem in salt water...if it sinks, it's a fake. Amber has long been a popular gem. It was used by the Minoans of ancient Crete when their empire still ruled the Mediterranean world. To the ancient Romans, amber provided protection from poisons (a definite plus during latter the days of the Empire) and from black magic. Amber has been almost universally believed to be an incredibly healing gem with the power to protect one from almost any illness.
Amber is perhaps the oldest substance used for human adornment. Its projective forces bring luck, healing, strength, beauty and love. It is not a stone but fossilized resin of coniferous trees of the Oligocene epoch. Beads and pendants have been found in grave sites dating back to 8000 BCE. As it was once a living substance (sap that sustained a trees life) it was believed to contain the very essence of life itself. Amber has been utilized for nearly every purpose in magic. Wiccans (a high priestess would wear this) and Shaman always wear amber necklaces combined with Jet. Those born in November will be drawn to its topaz-like color.
Astrological Sign of Leo and Aquarius.
Metaphysical Properties:
- Excellent for use in rituals for enhancing your beauty and attractiveness. Helps to attract love and it stimulates happiness and pleasure.
- Amber is used as both a good luck and protective amulet, and is extremely protective against negative magick which has been directed against you. Used for making and breaking spells, when placed on the altar, it can increase the effectiveness of your spells. Amber is also very useful in protecting children.
- Amber stimulates the flow of money towards you; strengthens the aura; balances female energies.
Healing Uses:
- Amber is said to increase strength while relieving or curing health conditions, drawing out pain and negativity, ear and vision problems. Exerts positive influence on endocrine system, stimulant for spleen, heart.
- It is claimed that Amber is used to best effect by those who suffer from throat infections, those who have bronchial disorders or those who are prone to asthma or convulsions, also rheumatism, intestinal disorders, earache, bladder trouble, nerves or bone-marrow deficiencies. Calming, can absorb negative energy and helps the body to heal itself.
- Amber allows the body to heal itself by absorbing and transmuting negative energy into positive. Emits bright soothing energy to calm nerves and enliven the disposition. General healing and happiness, absorbs negative energy, very grounding, protective. Helps with depression and suicidal tendencies.
- Electrically alive with solidified golden light. Stabilizes kundalini awakening.
- Activates altruistic nature. Stimulates and spiritualizes the intellect.
- Aids in memory loss, eccentric behavior, anxiety, inability to make decisions.
- Chakras: Navel, Solar Plexus, opens Third eye, Crown.
