Amber Stone

About Amber Stone

Amber is a hard translucent yellow, orange, or brownish-yellow fossil resin or an organic gem. It is exuded as a protective mechanism against disease and insect infestation that has hardened and preserved in the earth's crust for millions of years. It oxidizes and degrades when exposed to oxygen and is preserved under special conditions. Thus it is available in dense and wet sediments formed at the bottom of an ancient lagoon or a river delta. Amber has preserved ancient life to such details that it even captures fragments of DNA of the organisms entrapped in it. Also known as succinite, amber with elegant and attractive colors is used for making jewelry and other ornamental objects.

Amber: Where is it found?

Amber stones are mainly found near sea regions. The richest and largest amber deposits are found in the Baltic Sea region. The quality of amber stone is decided by the level of succinic acid contained in it. Sea region contains the highest level of succinic acid, and therefore is considered to be the highest quality amber ever found. Amber oxidizes and degrades when come in contact with oxygen and is preserved under special temperature and conditions. Hence, it is available in dense and wet sediments formed at the bottom of an ancient lagoon or a river delta. The Greeks called amber electron, or sun-made, perhaps because of this story, or perhaps because it becomes electrically charged when rubbed with a cloth and can attract small particles. Thus the two main sources of amber in today's market are the Baltic states and the Dominican Republic. Amber from the Baltic states is older, and that from the Dominican Republic is more likely to have insect inclusions.

How is the stone used?

Amber can be used to carve beads, charms and religious objects as it is believed to hold special symbolic powers. Creating decorative objects that surpass others in intricacy and style are quite in vogue by sculpting and relief carving in amber.