Amber is fossilized tree resin.
One of the oldest forms of Amber is Baltic
Amber and it dates back to more than 40 million years. It can float in water
and sometimes even be found with insect life frozen in time inside of it. Amber varies between 2 to 3 on the Mohs scale. It is relatively easy to work with and shape, but if you are using it on lapidary wheels, it can "gum" up. It has a melting point of 200 degrees Celcius to 380 degrees Celcius, but it does tend to "burn" rather than actually melt. When friction is applied, amber becomes negatively charged and attracts lightweight particles such as pieces of straw, fluff, or dried leaves. Its ability to produce static electricity has fascinated observers from the earliest times. It was even used in the earliest experiments on electricity. Once amber is cleaned of its outer layers and exposed to air, its appearance eventually will change. It is a result of the action of oxygen upon the organic material.
Another note to add is it is usually warm to the touch and is lighter than what is normally expected. To determine whether amber is natural or has been combined with resin stabilizers, place the gem in a glass of warm salt water. Natural amber will float, whereas synthesized amber will sink.
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Zodiac: Leo and Aquarius
Chakra: Root and Sacral Chakra
Care: Amber should not be left in direct sunlight
or any high heat. It can cause it to be brittle and damage it. It is also
recommended not to let it get too cold. It can get wet, but again, watch for
extreme temperature changes. It can be damaged by abrasives, chemicals, and even sonic cleaners. You can cleanse it with water, sound, selenite, or soil.
Among the Vikings, amber was believed to be the tears of Freyja, their goddess of love and beauty. To the ancient Greeks, amber was the tears of the daughters of Apollo, the sun god. It is known to be absolutely sacred to worshipers of Mother Earth, as it was believed to contain the very essence of life itself – the animating principle.
It is a very powerful healer and
cleanser of the body, mind, and spirit. It also cleanses the environment. Amber
draws disease from the body, healing and renewing the nervous system and
balancing the right and left parts of the brain. It absorbs pain and negative
energy, helping to alleviate stress. It is a great emotional healer. Amber
clears depression and stimulates the intellect. Amber brings light, warmth,
and healing. It works with headaches and electromagnetic fields, or EMFs. It is also a powerful protector against negative magic, black sorcery, and bad luck. In ancient times Amber was burned as incense to fumigate and clear the environment of negativity. (Note: Amber is flammable and can catch fire)
We do have Amber available in our Facebook Group:
☺Small rough pieces are $1 each
☺Large, fist-size, rough pieces for $5 each
☺High quality, (pictured below), $15 each
☺Chip bags, $5 each
