Amber - fossilized tree resin. It is an amorphous (without form) organic material.
Appearance: transparent to opaque. Colors range from orange, light yellow to dark brown, red, white and occasionally bluish or greenish
Enhancements: heating, heating in oil, dyeing. Some enhancements are stable while others such as dyeing, may fade over time.
Special Care Instructions:
avoid heat or pressure
avoid prolonged exposure to strong light.
Care and Cleaning:
use warm soapy water
never use ultrasonic cleaners or steamers.
Hardness: 2 to 2 1/2
Toughness: poor; fine crazing often develops with age.
Stability to Light: may darken with age.
Misnomers: none
Major Sources: Dominican Republic, Poland, (former) USSR, and Baltic coast of East Germany.
Amber
History, Legend & Folklore
Amber was one of the first gemstones used for amulets. Our early ancestors believed amber was a mystical substance with supernatural powers. One such belief is wearing amber to ward off witches. Other popular beliefs included:
wearing amber to prevent the croup or cure jaundice.
amber ashes soothed sore eyes.
a weak heart was strengthened by ingesting powdered amber.
