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Mineral: Amber
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.
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.
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.
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.
