Amber, a gemstone that has captivated the human imagination for centuries, is more than just a beautiful adornment. Its historical significance and ancient energy have made it a treasured possession around the world. This section delves into the fascinating history of Amber, tracing its journey from the heart of ancient pine trees to the hands of eager collectors and healers.
From being a symbol of extravagance in Homer's Odyssey to a revered healing talisman, Amber's story is as rich and varied as its hues.
What is Amber?
Amber, often referred to as 'liquid sunshine', is a fascinating substance. It's not a stone, but a fossilised tree resin, hardened over millions of years. This natural gemstone is renowned for its warm, golden hues and its unique ability to preserve ancient life forms.
The allure of amber lies not just in its beauty, but also in its rich history. It has been cherished since prehistoric times, with the earliest piece of amber jewellery dating back to around 30,000 years ago.
Amber has been used throughout history for various purposes. It was a prized material for making jewellery, such as amber bracelets set with silver and Baltic amber necklaces, as well as and decorative items, and was also believed to possess healing properties.
In ancient times, people believed that wearing a piece of amber could protect them from evil spirits and bring good luck. This is why amber was often used as a healing amulet.
The oldest piece of amber is believed to be millions of years old, a testament to its enduring appeal. It was not just a decorative element, but also a healing stone. Its warm, golden glow was believed to possess healing properties, making it a sought-after amulet in various cultures.
Amber in Different Cultures
Today, amber continues to captivate us with its beauty and mystery. Whether you're looking to find amber for its aesthetic appeal or its supposed healing powers, it's a gem that truly stands the test of time.
- In Asian cultures, Amber was revered as the "soul of the tiger", symbolising courage and power.
- In Europe, during the Middle Ages, Amber was known as "ambre jaune" in Old French, reflecting its golden hue.
- In ancient Greece, Amber was associated with the sun, a testament to its warm, radiant light.
- In Baltic regions, Amber is a common find and is often used in jewellery and decorative items and was the preferred stone that the Vikings used to carve their amulet necklaces.
The Healing Powers of Amber
Amber, a gemstone of natural warmth, is renowned for its healing powers. The healing powers of amber are believed to boost immunity, a vital aspect of physical health. This gemstone, when worn, is said to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms.
It is also known to cleanse the body of negative energy. This cleansing process is believed to promote overall physical well-being, making amber a popular choice among those seeking natural healing solutions.
The natural warmth of amber is another aspect that contributes to its healing property. This warmth is believed to soothe the body, promoting relaxation and healing.
Amber is also known for its ability to absorb negative energy, replacing it with positivity and a sense of empowerment. This gemstone helps to cleanse your emotional house, sweeping away heavy moods and bad vibes.
Amber's healing property extends to quieting the voice of our inner critic, fostering a balanced and flexible attitude. It's like a protective shield, keeping us safe from situations and individuals that could cause us harm. This gemstone also encourages patience and inner wisdom. It's there to keep you balanced, nourished, and warm, no matter what.
Amber is thought to be a powerful tool for activating the Solar Plexus Chakra. This chakra, located in the stomach area, is the core of our personality, our identity, and our ego.
The Solar Plexus Chakra is the centre of personal power, confidence, and control. When this chakra is balanced, we feel motivated, have a strong sense of self, and are able to express our authentic selves. Amber, with its ancient energy and golden warmth, is believed to stimulate and balance this chakra.
The golden hues of Amber are thought to activate the Solar Plexus Chakra, unblocking the energy flow and restoring one's sense of balance and understanding. This helps to free one to interpret the world through their own thoughts and emotions, not living in fear of violating the dictums of others.
Amber's connection to the Solar Plexus Chakra is not just spiritual, but also physical. It is believed to aid in digestion and increase metabolism, both of which are governed by the Solar Plexus Chakra.
The healing powers of Amber are not just about physical wellbeing. They also encompass mental and emotional health, making it a truly holistic healing tool.
So, if you're looking for a gemstone that can help you emotionally, consider Amber. Its healing properties might just be what you need to bring positivity and balance into your life.
Genuine Baltic Amber: How to Identify
Genuine Baltic amber is known for its warm and inviting hue. This amber stone often exhibits a range of colours, from a rich golden yellow to a deep, fiery orange, green, black and even white and rarely blue.
A real piece of amber is lightweight. Despite its appearance, it's not as heavy as it looks. This is a key characteristic that sets it apart from other gemstones.
When you touch a piece of Baltic amber, it should feel warm, not cool like most other stones. This is due to its organic nature. Genuine Baltic amber is also known for its inclusions. These are small pieces of ancient plant or animal life that got trapped in the resin millions of years ago.
Identifying genuine Baltic amber can be a bit of a challenge, especially for the untrained eye. However, there are a few tell-tale signs that can help you differentiate between real and fake amber. Firstly, real amber is harder than most other resins. It's not as easily scratched or chipped, which is a characteristic of genuine Baltic amber.
Secondly, the price point can be a good indicator. Genuine amber stones tend to be more expensive due to their rarity and the process involved in sourcing them. If you find amber being sold at abnormally low prices, it's likely not the real deal or amber chips that have been heated and moulded.
Thirdly, real amber is unique. Each piece of amber gets its hue from the concentration of organic materials fossilised in the resin. If you see several identical items, it's a red flag.
The only sure-fire way to know if amber is real is by professionally testing the structure of the piece.
How to Use and Care for Amber
Knowing how to use and care for Amber can significantly enhance its healing properties and longevity. Whether you're wearing it close to the skin or using a Baltic Amber chip, the right approach can make a world of difference. Similarly, understanding how to cleanse Amber and keep it charged ensures that your gemstone remains a vibrant and effective healing tool:
- Wear it Close to the Skin: The most effective way to use amber for healing is to wear it close to the skin. This allows the body to absorb the healing properties of the amber stone.
- Use as a Healing Amulet: Amber can also be used as a healing amulet. Carry it with you throughout the day to benefit from its healing energies.
- Baltic Amber Chips: Consider using Baltic amber chips. These are small pieces of amber that can be placed in a pocket or bag, or even under your pillow while you sleep.
- Amber Jewellery: Wearing amber jewellery is another good way to use amber. The jewellery can be worn throughout the day, allowing the body to absorb the healing properties of the amber.
- Amber Massage: Lastly, amber can be used in massage therapy. The amber stone is warmed and then used to massage the body, helping to relieve tension and promote healing.
- Cleanse with Tepid Water: Amber, being an organic gemstone, can collect oils and dirt from everyday wear. Cleanse your amber stone by running it under tepid water for a few seconds. This simple act can help disperse stagnant energy and bring back the shine to your amber.
- Use a Soft Cloth: After rinsing, gently wipe your amber with a soft cloth. The friction created by rubbing and polishing the stone will remove any remaining oil or dirt.
- Charge in Sunlight: To recharge your amber, let it sit in a patch of sunlight for a while. The sun's rays will help to recharge the amber's healing properties.
- Bury in Earth: As an earth gem, you can also place amber in the ground or some potted soil to let it renew itself. This method can help to cleanse and recharge your amber stone over time.
