Amber
A guide for the history, meaning, metaphysical uses, purposes, crystal healing, and properties of the earthly Amber
Amber is a stone for the energy of life. Its ties to trees and its organic inclusions have earned it the reputation of being strongly tied to life and healing in general. Unsurprisingly, amber has also been admired for its place in jewelry, dating back to even the Stone Age.
History of Amber
One very common question we get is: "Is Amber a mineral?" Amber is not really a mineral, or a gemstone, as they lack a crystal structure. So, if Amber is not a mineral, then what is it? Amber is fossilized tree resin. Amber can be divided into five “classes” depending on their chemistry. Although it is possible to determine the specific origin of amber specimens, it is not without difficulty and usually requires firsthand knowledge of where it was collected or laboratory equipment. Amber can come from both modern and extinct sources. Historically, amber was often associated with the sun and healing.
The Greeks called it “elektron” meaning “shining thing” and is related to Phaeton, also meaning “shining.” The Romans called it “sucinum” meaning “juice” because it was the “juice” from a tree. From at least ancient times to well into the 1600s, amber was a common ingredient in medicinal recipes. In the ancient period it was a traded commodity. Central European communities had amber trading networks. Amber in the Baltic region, Latvia, and central Russia had a significant value and tens of thousands of products have been unearthed, many dating back to ancient times.
Metaphysical Properties
Amber has been traded and for centuries. And we mean way back. Amber had been distributed from Northern Europe all the way down to the Mediterranean, Asia, and even parts of Africa. The Norse believed that amber came from Freya's tears.
In a dream, it has been associated with a voyage. Some had ascribed it powers of calming, healing, or relaxation. It was a therapeutic stone for many, some believed that certain carvings into animals could enhance this property of the stone. To others, it signified a kind of power, destiny, and the future.
Scientific Information
Pronunciation: /ambər/ or /ambɪr/ (am-buh-r or am-bir)
Hardness: 2
Lustre: Resinous
Crystal System: N/A
Etymology: From the Arabic word “anbar”
Location: Global, but mostly Europe and North America
The Wrap Up
Amber is a beautiful organic stone that has a really long history of trade. It has, throughout all of human history, been seen as a beautiful and truly unique stone in the world gemstones. There is no shortage of bracelets, necklaces, and other trinkets made that utilize this downright amazing stone.
Click here to see our entire amber collection!
Crystals and gemstones are nature's true beauties, but they are not a substitute for seeking professional medical, legal, health, or financial advice. Crystals and gemstones are to be used in conjunction with any professional care you are receiving and do not provide healing, cures, or other remedies modern medicine can provide. The information provided in our listings with regard to the powers of crystals and gemstones are all derived from personal & professional experience with crystals & gems as well as ancient wisdom and texts documenting knowledge gained from civilizations around the world. They are not backed by the FDA or scientific/government resources. Our crystals & gemstones are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or malady. Our crystals and gemstones are also not a replacement for seeking professional legal advice, financial advising, or any other field of professional expertise. Crystals and gemstones are intended to be appreciated for their natural power and beauty, and used alongside modern, professional methods.
Sources
Labandeira, Conrad C. "Amber." Reading and Writing of the Fossil Record: Preservational Pathways to Exceptional Fossilization: Presented as a Paleontological Society Short Course at the Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America, Vancouver, British Columbia, October 18, 2014. Paleontological Society, 2014.
Ragazzi, Eugenio. "Amber, a stone of sun for ancient medicines." (2016).
Gimbutas, Marija. "East Baltic amber in the fourth and third millennia BC." Journal of Baltic Studies 16.3 (1985): 231-256.
CZEBRESZUK, JANUSZ, and MARZENA SZMYT. "Amber in Europe 3000 years BCE." 75.
