Baltic Amber: A Solar Stone

Baltic amber is fossilized tree resin primarily sourced from the Baltic region, particularly along the coasts of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Russia. It is renowned for its warm golden hues and often contains ancient inclusions like insects or plant material. Baltic amber has been prized for thousands of years in jewelry, medicine, and even as a trade commodity.

Formation of Baltic Amber:

Baltic amber formed between 44 and 54 million years ago during the Eocene epoch. It originates from the resin of ancient conifer trees that once thrived in what is now the Baltic Sea region. Over millions of years, this sticky resin hardened and fossilized due to pressure, chemical changes, and exposure to the elements, eventually transforming into amber. Some pieces of amber contain well-preserved fossils of prehistoric plants and insects, providing a unique glimpse into ancient ecosystems. Baltic amber is the finest amber in the world because of its age. Older amber gems are harder than newer amber gems from places like the Dominion Republic.

Amber is primarily sourced through mining and, to a lesser extent, by collecting pieces that have washed ashore. The methods of extraction depend on the location and type of amber deposits. Here are the main ways amber is sourced:

1. Open-Pit Mining:

• This is the most common method for sourcing amber, especially in areas like the Baltic region (primarily in Russia and Poland). In open-pit mines, large areas of land are excavated to access amber deposits buried under layers of sediment. Heavy machinery is often used to dig deep into the earth, where amber pieces can be extracted from ancient layers of sand or clay.

2. Underground Mining:

• In some regions, amber is mined from underground tunnels. Miners dig into the earth to reach deeper amber deposits that are not accessible from the surface. This is a more labor-intensive method and can be dangerous due to the instability of the underground structures.

3. Dredging and Riverbed Mining:

• Amber is sometimes found in riverbeds or near shorelines. In these cases, dredging equipment is used to extract the amber from underwater or sedimentary layers. This method is used in areas where amber is naturally eroded from its original deposit and carried by water.

4. Surface Collection or "Amber Picking":

• In coastal areas, especially around the Baltic Sea, amber is washed ashore by the tides. After storms, amber pieces can be found along the beach, where they are collected by hand. This method is more sustainable but yields smaller amounts of amber compared to mining.

5. Collecting from Secondary Deposits:

• Amber can also be found in secondary deposits, such as gravel beds, where it has been carried by rivers or glaciers from its original source. These pieces are usually collected by hand or with simple tools.

Major Amber Sources:

• The Baltic region is the largest source of amber, with significant deposits in Russia (Kaliningrad), Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Baltic amber is renowned for its quality and age.
• Dominican Republic is known for producing rare blue amber, sourced from the mountainous regions through mining.
• Myanmar (Burma) and Mexico also produce amber, with unique variations in color and composition.

Amber sourcing is often regulated to protect these natural resources, especially in areas where it is a significant part of the local economy.

History of Baltic Amber:

Baltic amber has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. It was used as a trading commodity in prehistoric Europe, and the "Amber Road" was an important trade route that connected the Baltic region to the Mediterranean and other parts of the world. The Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians valued amber for its beauty and believed in its protective and healing properties. In many cultures, amber was considered a talisman that warded off evil spirits, and it was often used in amulets and ritual objects. During the Middle Ages, it was highly prized for its supposed medicinal qualities and was even burned as incense in religious ceremonies.

Significance of Baltic Amber:

Baltic amber holds cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. In ancient cultures, it was believed to possess healing properties, often referred to as the “stone of health” or “sun stone.” Amber is still used today in holistic medicine, especially for teething infants, as many believe it has soothing, anti-inflammatory effects. It has also been seen as a symbol of renewal, warmth, and protection. The inclusions found in amber—such as insects and plant material—are considered scientifically important, as they provide insight into prehistoric life.

Did you know that Baltic amber contains 3 to 8% of succinic acid? And how is succinic acid used in contemporary medicine? In pharmaceuticals preventing the aging of human cells, a sort of potion of youth. Research is confirming what folk medicine has know for centuries that amber has the power to heal. So next time you wear your favorite piece of amber jewelry, take a moment to touch the gem for a therapeutic “pick me up.”

Hardness of Baltic Amber:

Baltic amber has a relatively low hardness of 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale, making it softer than many gemstones. Because of its softness and organic composition, amber requires careful handling and protection to avoid scratches and damage.

Colors of Baltic Amber:

Amber comes in a wide range of colors, with over 300 recorded variations. The most common colors include:

1. Golden Yellow or Honey: The classic and most recognizable amber color.
2. Cognac or Brown: Rich, darker shades, often with a reddish-brown hue.
3. Red (Cherry Amber): Rare and highly valued, ranging from dark red to burgundy.
4. Green: Though rare, green amber often has an olive or forest green hue.
5. Blue: Extremely rare and prized, blue amber shows a blue sheen in certain lighting.
6. White or Bone Amber: Opaque and pale, sometimes with a creamy or milky appearance.
7. Black: This form of amber is typically mixed with organic material, creating a very dark, almost black appearance.
8. Orange or Tangerine: Vibrant and translucent, these shades are also common.

Each color can vary depending on the specific conditions of its formation, including the type of resin, environmental factors, and inclusions.

How to Care for Amber Jewelry:

1. 

   Avoid Exposure to Heat:
   Amber is sensitive to heat and can become brittle or crack if exposed to high temperatures. Keep it away from direct sunlight, hot water, and heat sources such as hairdryers or radiators.

2. Keep Away from Chemicals:
   Amber is an organic material, so it can be damaged by harsh chemicals like perfumes, hairsprays, cleaning agents, and even alcohol. Always put on amber jewelry after applying cosmetics and remove it before using household cleaners or going swimming.

3. Clean Gently:
   Clean amber jewelry with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap if necessary. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, or abrasive materials, as these can scratch or damage the surface of the amber.

4. Store Separately:
   To prevent scratches, store amber jewelry separately from harder gemstones and metals. Keep it in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box when not in use.

Determining whether a piece of amber is genuine or fake can be challenging, as many imitations exist. However, several tests and observations can help you identify real amber:

1. Visual Inspection:

• Inclusions: Genuine amber often contains natural inclusions such as ancient insects, plants, or small bubbles. These inclusions will appear organic and imperfect, whereas in fakes, they may look too uniform or artificially placed.
• Color: Amber comes in a wide range of natural colors, including honey, cognac, yellow, green, and more. While fakes can mimic these colors, genuine amber typically has a warm, natural glow, whereas synthetics may look overly glossy or uniform.

2. Float Test (Saltwater Test):

• Mix about 8 tablespoons of salt with a cup of water. Place the amber piece in the solution—real amber will float, while most fakes (such as plastic or glass) will sink. Be careful, though, as this test may not work with all types of amber or fakes.

3. Hot Needle Test:

• Heat a needle and lightly touch the amber with it. Genuine amber will release a piney, resinous smell, while fakes made from plastic will produce a chemical or burnt plastic odor. Use caution, as this test can damage the piece if done too harshly.

4. UV Light Test:

• Under a UV (black) light, genuine amber will glow with a pale blue, green, or yellowish color, depending on its variety. Fakes, such as plastics or resins, may not exhibit the same glow or may glow differently.

5. Electrostatic Test:

• Rub the amber against wool or silk for a few seconds, then place it near small bits of paper or hair. Genuine amber has electrostatic properties and will attract the particles, while most fakes will not.

6. Hardness Test:

• Real amber has a hardness of 2-2.5 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can be scratched by materials like steel. Some fakes (especially glass) will be much harder, while others, like plastic, may be softer.

7. Solubility Test:

• Genuine amber is not affected by acetone or alcohol, whereas many fake materials like plastic or copal (young tree resin) will dissolve or become sticky. Use this test with caution, as it can damage the piece.

8. Scratch Test:

• Genuine amber is relatively soft and will scratch more easily than materials like glass. You can gently test an inconspicuous area to see if the piece scratches, but be careful not to damage it.

Using a combination of these tests can help verify whether the amber is authentic, though professional testing (such as with a gemologist) is recommended for valuable pieces.

Baltic amber has captivated humanity for centuries with its warmth and beauty. This gemstone holds deep significance as a symbol of healing, protection, and even luck in various cultures, making it both a beautiful and meaningful addition to any jewelry collection.

View our collection of genuine Baltic Amber Jewelry.