Amber: A Unique Treasure from the Past

By Nasim Ahmad, Accredited Gemologist (AIGS)

Amber, with its captivating golden hues and mysterious inclusions, holds within its timeless beauty a tale that stretches back millions of years. This gemstone, often referred to as "the gold of the sea," has fascinated civilizations throughout history, captivating the imagination with its unique properties and the ancient secrets it guards. Let us learn about the captivating world of amber and uncover its enchanting story.

Formation and Origins

(Amber forming on a Tree Trunk)

Amber is fossilized tree resin, formed over millions of years. It began as a sticky substance secreted by ancient trees (mostly of the conifer type), to seal wounds and protect against pathogens. Over millions of years this resin hardens and undergoes chemical changes, eventually transforming into amber. The transformation of resin into amber can occur only under specific geological conditions involving pressure, temperature, and the absence of oxygen. Some of the world’s oldest amber can be over 250 million years old!
One of the most renowned sources of amber is the Baltic region of northern Europe, where deposits dating back 45 million years have been discovered. Baltic amber stands out for its exceptional quality and high concentration of fossil inclusions. These inclusions offer a unique window into prehistoric life, preserving delicate organisms such as insects, plant fragments, and even small vertebrates like lizards and frogs. The intricate details trapped within the golden resin allow scientists to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and study the evolution of life on Earth. 

(Burmese Ambers in GemTrust.io 1, 2 and Gemwow)

Other important sources for fine amber, especially specimens containing prehistoric insects and small animals, are Myanmar and the Dominican Republic. Although yellow is the most common color, amber can be found in honey brown, reddish-brown and even black. Blue and green are the rarest colors for amber and usually found only in the Dominican Republic.

(Blue Amber)

Amber in History and Culture

Amber holds a place of significance in various cultures throughout history. The ancient Greeks believed that amber possessed magical properties and associated it with the sun god Apollo. Similarly, the Romans revered amber for its beauty and believed it possessed protective powers. In Norse mythology, amber was associated with the tears of the goddess Freya. 

(Amber Room at Catherine Palace in Saint Petersburg)

In modern times, the legendary Amber Room was installed within the Catherine Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Completed in 1710, the room took ten years to make and contained an incredible 13,000 pounds of amber along with other gems and precious materials. The Amber Room mesmerized Russian Tsars and royalty and it was considered to be the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Sadly, much of the Amber Room was looted by the Nazis during World War II and the whereabouts of its precious materials remains unknown to this day.

Healing Properties

Amber has long been associated with healing properties and folklore. In traditional medicine, it has been believed to possess therapeutic properties, aiding in the treatment of various ailments. Amber was also considered a powerful amulet, protecting the wearer from evil spirits and promoting good luck. 

(Baltic amber necklaces)

Folklore across different cultures tells tales of amber's ability to attract love, bring clarity to the mind, and even serve as a protective charm for children. These beliefs and stories have shaped the cultural significance of amber over the centuries. One of the most fascinating modern-day stories about amber are told by the novel and subsequent films, “Jurassic Park” by the American science-fiction and fantasy-adventure author Michael Crichton, which told of scientists recreating dinosaurs from dinosaur blood and DNA found in an ancient mosquito trapped in amber.

(Jurasic Park mosquito in Amber)

Amber Today

Beyond its historical and cultural significance, amber finds use in various modern applications. It’s warm and lustrous appearance makes it a sought-after gemstone for jewelry, adorning necklaces, earrings, and other exquisite pieces. Prayer beads (known as Tazbih) made of the finest amber are highly sought after by Muslims in the Arab and Persian world. 

(Amber Muslim Prayer Beads)

Amber is also highly valued in the perfume industry, as its unique scent can be extracted and incorporated into fragrances. As amber continues to captivate us, it is crucial to address the ethical and responsible sourcing of this gemstone. Environmental preservation and sustainable practices are vital to ensure the longevity and availability of this natural treasure. Proper regulation and monitoring of amber extraction can help protect the fragile ecosystems where it is found and ensure its continued beauty for generations to come.

(Amber Musk perfume)

Amber stands as a testament to the remarkable processes of our planet, encapsulating ancient worlds in a single gemstone. From its formation millions of years ago, amber continues to inspire awe and fascination among jewelers and collectors today.

Sources: Nasim Ahmad, A.G., Encyclopedia Britannica, AIGS Gem Manuals

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