Amber is one of the most unusual and mysterious stones. It is worth noting that the mineral has an affordable price, but at the same time some of its types are extremely rare. Despite this, there are regions, particularly in Russia, where amber is not at all considered precious, but is used as rosin. The advantage of a stone lies in the fact that it is easy to mine it, and sometimes it can even be taken to the seashore.
The basis of the chemical composition of the mineral is carbon, the percentage of which is about 70%. Among the impurities can be found nitrogen and oxygen, sulfur, hydrogen and ash, so that amber is a high-molecular compound. The main source of mineral extraction is the Baltic Sea, however, the stone is found throughout the world, for example, in the Dominican Republic.
The history of the origin of the mineral
Generally speaking, amber cannot be called a stone, since it is known that it is nothing else than the hardened resin of pine trees.However, many are wondering why amber is not being created from resin now? The fact is that a very long time (more than 50 million years ago) on the territory of the Baltic Sea there was a land with relict pines. Subsequently, a sharp warming resin began to intensively stand out and over the centuries has turned into a mineral. By the way, the mineral inside which you can find an insect or a plant has a higher value in comparison with ordinary stones.
Types and colors of amber
Most people are confident that amber is a mineral of yellow color, which has only shades of this color. In fact, its color palette is wider and includes more than four hundred shades. The main part of the minerals is occupied by yellow, orange or golden stones of low cost. Classic amber is a wax-colored mineral with a high degree of transparency. Yellow-red gems are also very popular.
Dragon's blood is the name of an amazing cherry or red amber, resembling ruby. Why amber is red? The fact is that many of the resins were exposed to fire even before their petrification, because of which they changed their tint. It is worth noting that the cost of such a mineral is several times higher, as it is rare and to meet it in ancient times was a great success.
Another type of mineral - milk stone. In fact, its color is nothing else as a fiction, because in fact the mineral has a yellow color. Not a typical color due to the presence in the composition of the mineral microscopic particles of moisture and air bubbles, modified the shade of the stone. Plants and soil trapped in the resin made amber green, and blue amber is only an optical illusion effect, since in fact this color of the mineral does not exist at all.
The value of amber and fakes
Amber is an amorphous substance that does not have a crystalline structure, therefore it is difficult to call the mineral a stone. Based on this, regardless of its color and rarity, it is not a precious stone. Amber is a mineral of organic origin with a heterogeneous structure, therefore, although it may have a high cost, it will never be in a row with precious stones such as diamond or emerald.
It is worth noting that the stone, though inexpensive, but fakes are quite common. They can be found on the street from ordinary sellers, and in expensive jewelry stores. It is possible to distinguish a natural mineral from a fake by some of its features, as well as one of the following methods:
- There are fewer air bubbles in the natural stone than in its artificial copy.
- If all the beads have a uniform color, then it is not amber.
- The mineral of a natural origin differs in a unique pattern and color.
- The natural mineral is not scratched with a fingernail and is always warm to the touch.
- Plastic and glass have more weight than amber.
- If you rub the mineral with your hands, you can feel the scent of resin.
Medicinal properties of amber
Since ancient times, mankind believed that amber can heal from all diseases. In general, this opinion has been preserved to this day, since the mineral has not lost its healing properties and is actively used in traditional medicine. Amber is of particular importance for those who want to monitor their figure, as decoration with this mineral will contribute to a good metabolism and cleansing the body. Also amber is no less important for those who are engaged in mental work. Moreover, in the pharmacy you can find a tool such as succinic acid - this is an excellent natural biostimulator.
The stone has a special value for heavy smokers, because the amber mouthpiece neutralizes nicotine and reduces the possibility of lung cancer. Amber tincture is a medicinal product, which includes in its composition a crumb of mineral that helps to get rid of colds and lung ailments. Not only mineral, but also smoke, which is formed during the burning of amber, has healing properties. Also, the mineral helps with asthma and old cough.
The magical properties of the mineral
Amber is a sunny mineral, symbolizing happiness, joy and fun. Many nations and countries use it as a talisman or strong amulet that protects against disease and the evil eye. Also, this mineral is recommended to creative individuals, people who are guided by the heart. Amber is able to enhance intuition, give peace, comfort and convenience, making its owner more successful.
The magical properties possessed by amber:
- Protects his master's house from intruders, disasters and cataclysms.
- Gives warmth and a sense of peace, penetrating the soul.
- Serves as a talisman for pregnant women and nursing mothers, provides healthy offspring, reducing the risk of miscarriage.
- Charges positive energy, uplifting, deprives fears, depressions and other negative emotions.
- Keeps feminine youth.
- Relieves insomnia and nightmares.
- Cleans everything around (body, soul, thoughts, etc.).
- It protects from grief and misfortune or helps them to survive.
Who is amber is suitable for the sign of the zodiac
If astrologers are to be believed, then amber is under the influence of the Sun, therefore it is suitable for people born under the signs of the element of fire - Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. As for the other signs of the zodiac, they can also use this mineral, and Taurus will be an exception to the rule. This zodiac sign is irritated and distracted from important things in life because of amber, therefore, it is not recommended to wear it, even though it will not bring special troubles. As for the fire element, with the help of amber, Aries, Sagittarius and Lions will gain luck, feel all the magical and healing power of the mineral.
