AMBER

Amber is the fossilized resin from coniferous trees. Formation begins when the tree produces its resin, and then abruptly becomes buried or submerged, preventing natural decay processes from occurring and, inevitably, resulting in the ambers solidification. First, molecular polymerization, from high pressure and high heat, transforms the resin into what is called copal. Once fully polymerized, and now referred to as amber, the sample will often react under short-wave ultra violet light; which is a useful diagnostic tool for identification purposes. Sustained pressure and heat drive off terpenes and results in the formation of a completely fossilized ancient resin. For this to happen, the resin must be resistant to decay for very long periods in time; fascinatingly, it is estimated that amber takes upwards of 40,000 years to fully develop! There are five classifications of amber, defined on the basis of their chemical constituents. Because it originates as a soft, sticky tree resin, amber sometimes contains animal and plant materials as inclusions. These inclusions can range from ancient tree matter like bark, mushrooms and other fungi, to bugs and even animals. Amber has incredible means of material preservation and, interestingly, in the year 2017, scientific research led by paleontologist Lida Xing of the China University of Geosciences concluded extraordinary findings of a 1.4in dinosaur tail, covered in feathers, near perfectly preserved in an amber sample. Based on the structure of the tail, researchers believe it belonged to a juvenile coelurosaur, part of a group of theropod dinosaurs that includes everything from tyrannosaurs to modern birds. CT scans and microscopic analysis of the sample revealed eight intact vertebrae from the end of a long, thin tail. Further research suggests that the tail may have been originally made up of more than 25 vertebrae. The observation of articulated tail vertebrae in the sample enabled the researchers to effectively rule out the possibility of a prehistoric bird; thus, conclusively providing evidence of a land faring, feathered dinosaur.

AMBER HISTORY

Amber has been found globally, and archeological evidence suggests its use as an ornament since the early Neolithic, roughly 8,000 years ago, where it was recently discovered as polished ornamental beads found within high regarded ancient graves. Much valued from antiquity to the present as a gemstone, amber has been crafted into a wide spanning variety of decorative objects. Additionally, amber has long been used in the art of jewelry making, although its soft Mohs hardness of a 2-2.5 doesn’t make it ideal in terms of durability with regular use. Historically, it has also been used as a healing agent in practices revolving around ancient medicine. The classical names for amber, the Latin “electrum” and Ancient Greek “ēlektron”, are connected to a phrase translating as "beaming Sun". According to legend, when Phaëton, the son of Helios was killed, his bereaved and mourning sisters fell to the ground to became poplar trees, and their petrified tears became elektron, or amber. The word elektron gave rise to the words electric and electricity, in relation to amber's ability to bear a charge of static electricity.

AMBER LOCALITY

Mexican amber is a variety of amber that was produced by the trees that thrived in the ancient forests of what is now called the Chiapas region of Southern Mexico. These forests thrived somewhere around 25-30 million years ago (during the Oligocene-Miocene boundary period). Mexican amber comes in many different colors including yellow-orange, red, and rarely green; however, the most sought-after color of Chiapas amber is red and green. It is considered quite scarce in comparison to its contemporaneous relation of Dominican amber. Similarly, though, Mexican amber has quite a strong green-blue fluorescence when viewed under ultra-violet light, and occasionally displays the much sought-after natural blue fluorescence seen in rare examples of blue Dominican amber.

AMBER METAPHYSICS

Ambers strong connection to the Earth is said to aid in the personal absorption of foundational energies of wisdom and mindfulness. It is considered a facilitator of personal well being and forward driven thinking habits, giving its user the confidence to aspire and follow their ambitions. Its grounding energies help facilitate the use of higher vibrational stones and aid in decision making, bringing peace to an unsettled mind. It is also a great tool for energy healers, as it helps prevent the transference of negative or suppressed energies from the client to healer relationship. Physically, it is said to be a powerful energetic cleanser that draws disease from the body and helps aid in tissue revitalization. Furthermore, its uses in ancient medicine reveal it as an aid to the kidneys, liver, bladder, and spleen; as well as being a natural anti-inflammatory for joint and muscle pain.