Amber is an organic substance created by the dripping of resin from certain pine trees (conifers of the family Sciadopityaceae) which was fossilized over a period of millions of years.
There are many different varieties, and the amber differs per location, for instance Baltic amber, where 80 % of the world’s amber comes from, is generally over 40 million years old, whereas Dominican amber dates back ‘only’ 20 million years.
If the resin is relatively young we speak of copal rather than of amber, which is softer and more susceptible to solvents and heat.
Because Baltic amber contains about 8% succinic acid, it is also termed succinite.
Because Baltic amber contains about 8% succinic acid, it is also termed succinite.
History
The Greek name for amber was ηλεκτρον (elektron), “formed by the sun”, and it was connected to the sun god (Helios). According to the myth, when Helios’ son was killed, his mourning sisters became poplars, and their tears became the origin of elektron, amber.
Amber is a soft material and it is very easy to work with, a material in high demand for jewelry due to being warm to the touch and relatively light besides being just beautiful.
Every piece is unique, and due to the fossilized nature in some cases contains fossilized life which is amazingly well preserved thanks to the dehydrating quality of amber.
Sometimes, you can find complete bugs and beetles contained in the amber pieces, which have been dried and mummified perfectly, providing us with an unique glimpse into the prehistoric life.
Baltic amber has the most preserved species of plant and animal life to this date.
The most famous inclusion is a little salamander caught in a piece of amber which is on display in the Amber museum in Gdansk, it is priceless.
Healing properties
Amber contains up to 8% of succinic acid. Succinic acid is also termed ‘Spirit of amber’, which in history was used for rheumatic aches and pains.
Nowadays amber is very popular as teething bracelets, as it is believed to slowly give off the acid by wearing the bracelet, and numb the pain of the small kids.
If you put little bits of amber in strong alcohol the amber will lose all color, and the alcohol will get that beautiful golden amber glow. You have then created rubbing oil, very good for muscle pains and very soothing to rub on the chest and back when having coughing spells.
Amber is electro-static, but will load negatively, so if you are sensitive to getting little shocks when touching metal wearing the amber will surely avoid some of these.
Succinic acid is also created as a byproduct of the fermentation of sugar, lending us the typical bitter-salty taste in beers and wines.
Succinic acid is also created as a byproduct of the fermentation of sugar, lending us the typical bitter-salty taste in beers and wines.
Jewelry
Amber is very popular as jewelry, it is very light to wear, and has different colors, ranging from nearly white (butterscotch) to nearly black (dark cherry). Most popular is the cognac, transparent form.
It can easily be shaped using sanding paper, a fine saw, and other instruments. When it is heated amber goes soft. It is also combustible, and will burn by itself, giving off a resinous smell.
There is quite a difference between the natural amber and the modified amber.
Amber can be soaked in a hot oil-bath, where all cracks and pits are filled and merged. Amber is sometimes bonded, using bonding material to put different pieces together, or heated and put together under high pressure. It will change color and consistency, and will no longer be deemed natural amber, but is much cheaper to get.
Jagna Birecka & Heyme Langbroek.
Text & photos Jagna & Heyme design
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