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What is Amber? Its Characteristics and Benefits for Health

Amber, also known as Blood Amber, is a fascinating substance with a rich history and a range of alleged health benefits. This ancient resin has been prized for millennia, with a colorful past that spans the globe. But what exactly is Amber, and how can it be used to promote wellness? Delve into the intriguing world of Amber to uncover its secrets and explore its potential for enhancing your health and well-being.

Administrator

28 July, 2024

Amber is an ancient resin that dates back 30 to 90 million years, known for its beautiful colors and feng shui properties. Let’s explore what amber is and its characteristics and effects on health!

1. An Overview of Amber

What is Amber?

Amber, scientifically known as Amber or succinite, is a fossilized resin found in ancient trees. It is also called blood amber, red pine, and bright amber.

Amber, scientifically known as Amber

Amber is found and mined in various countries, including those along the Baltic Sea and some Southeast Asian nations such as Myanmar and Vietnam. It comes in a range of colors, including yellow, brown, gray, black, and especially blue, with the blue variety being extremely rare and valuable.

Characteristics of Amber

Amber exhibits a diverse range of colors, including yellow, reddish-yellow, red, green, brown, and white. Thanks to its colorful nature, ease of crafting through grinding, carving, and sculpting, and lightweight property, amber is ideal for creating jewelry, such as bracelets. Interestingly, amber sinks in freshwater but floats in saltwater.

Characteristics of Amber

Amber also contains approximately 3-8% succinic acid, which is believed to possess healing properties. Additionally, amber can store electrical charge, conduct electricity, and has low thermal conductivity. When burned, it produces a yellow flame and emits a pine-like aroma.

Notable Properties of Amber

The following table summarizes some of the most notable characteristics of amber:

Chemical Composition	C10H16O
Mohs Hardness	2- 2.5
Melting Point	315-350°C
Birthstone Month	November
Representing Planet	Sun
Compatible Zodiac Signs	Leo, Aquarius
Feng Shui Element	Earth
Major Sources	UK, Russia, Italy, Germany, Poland, Dominican Republic, Myanmar, Romania

Notable Properties of Amber

Types of Natural Amber

Young Amber (Copal): This type of amber forms in a relatively short period, resulting in lighter and less vibrant colors compared to ancient amber.
Baltic Amber: Found on land near the Baltic Sea, this variety is also called succinite due to its high succinic acid content, reaching up to 8%.
Dominican Amber: Characterized by yellow, golden, and occasionally red hues, the rarest and most valuable type is the blue amber. Dominican amber is clearer than Baltic amber, and the blue variety is unique to the Dominican Republic.

2. The Effects of Amber on Health

Amber contains succinic acid, a potent antioxidant that supports the nervous system, boosts immunity, and fights infections.

The Effects of Amber on Health

Amber is also used as a purifying stone, stimulating the body’s self-healing abilities. It can be placed directly on wounds to expedite healing. In traditional Chinese medicine, amber is believed to clear energy blockages, improve blood circulation, promote better sleep, and benefit the liver, kidneys, spleen, and gallbladder.

3. Using Amber in Feng Shui

Placing Amber in the Bedroom

Positioning amber under the bed or in the center of the bedroom attracts earth energy, bringing stability, good fortune, and a sense of grounding to its owner.

Keeping Amber in the Kitchen

Amber wards off negative energies, ensuring harmonious and happy family meals.

Amber wards off negative energies

Displaying Amber on the Ancestral Altar

When placed on the ancestral altar, amber attracts positive energy and helps manifest the sincere wishes of its owner.

Carrying Amber on Your Person

With its unique beauty, amber is crafted into eye-catching jewelry. Wearing amber jewelry or carrying it with you helps maintain positive energy levels, attracts good luck, and promotes healing.

Wearing amber jewelry brings good luck

4. Caring for Amber

As amber is delicate and prone to damage, special care is required in its maintenance.

Avoid cleaning amber with steam or ultrasonic cleaners, as these methods can increase the risk of cracking. Instead, gently wash amber with warm water and a soft cloth, then dry it with a soft towel.

Caring for Amber

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or chemicals should be avoided, as it may cause amber to lose its natural luster.

5. Frequently Asked Questions about Amber

Which Feng Shui Element is Amber Compatible With?

Amber Compatibility with Feng Shui Elements

Amber’s diverse colors bring good luck, prosperity, and health benefits to individuals of different elements.

Metal Element: Amber in yellow or brown balances the emotions of Metal individuals and attracts good fortune.
Earth and Fire Elements: Red or orange amber promotes luck in love and career for these elements, aiding in emotional regulation and wise decision-making.
Water and Wood Elements: These elements align with black, blue, or green amber. The powerful energy absorbed from these varieties energizes and strengthens the wearer.

How to Distinguish Real Amber from Fake?

To identify genuine amber, perform a float test—real amber floats in water while fake amber sinks. Additionally, authentic amber feels warm when held in the palm of your hand, and it emits a pleasant pine scent when gently rubbed. Moreover, real amber remains scratch-free when gently scraped with a fingernail, unlike fake amber.

Distinguishing Real Amber from Fake

How Much Does Amber Cost?

Amber Pricing

In Russia, the price of raw amber per kilogram ranges from 30,000 to 150,000 rubles (approximately $470 to $2,400), depending on the complexity of the manufacturing process.

We hope you found this article informative and helpful. Thank you for reading!

Frequently asked questions

Amber is a fossilized tree resin that has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty for thousands of years. It is often used in jewelry and as a decorative item.

The characteristic that sets amber apart from other gemstones is its unique organic origin. It has a warm, luminous appearance and comes in a range of colors, from pale yellow to deep orange and even rare green or blue hues.

Amber is believed to have healing properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is said to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Amber is also known for its calming and soothing effects, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

One popular way to benefit from amber’s healing properties is to wear it as jewelry, with direct skin contact. Amber teething necklaces are also commonly used for babies to help alleviate teething pain and provide a natural alternative to medication.

Yes, it is important to source genuine, natural amber for effective and safe use. Synthetic amber or treated amber may not provide the same benefits and could contain harmful chemicals. Always purchase from reputable sources and be cautious of imitations.