Amber Gemstone Properties

ˈam-bər 

Stone of Universal Manifestation

Amber is often called the stone of Liquid Sunshine…yellow for the midday sun and orange, for the fiery sunsets; it was at one point in a more liquid state prior to solidifying into the gem we now know. History tells us that it was one of the very first stones or substances to be used for adornment. Specimens of such adornment date back to 8000 B.C.E.

Amber also holds its own electric charge, it is interesting that the word “electricity” was said to be derived from the Greek word “electron” which, of course, means amber.

The two main sources of amber on the market today are the Baltic states and the Dominican Republic. Amber from the Baltic states is older, and therefore preferred on the market, but amber from the Dominican Republic is more likely to have insect or plant inclusions; which to some make them more appealing specimen.

In general the sunny energy is used to transmute negative energy, to cheer one up and help open one up to a personal divine blueprint. It is said to help draw sickness from the body and negativity from the emotional energy. For this reason, some say amber is told to bring good luck.

What is considered an Organic Gem?

While many minerals are considered gemstones, there are also a number of materials that have been infused, infilled or partially replaced by organic materials; as well as natural organisms that have been mineralized then used and considered valuable ‘gems’ throughout all our time.

Organic materials considered gemstones include but are not limited to: Amber, Bone, Coral, Ivory, Pearls, Mother of Pearl, Abaone as well as meteorites such as Moldavite

Organic materials that have been mineralized to gemstones include: Dino Bone (Gem Bone, Gembone) Petrified Wood, Fossils such as Ammolilte and Ammonite; during the mineral infilling the organic structure is preserved therefore it remains an organic material, and thus an Organic Gem.

Mohs Hardness of 2.5 with a amorphous crystal structure.

Amber is not actually a stone, but the fossilized resin (sap) of extinct coniferous (cone bearing) trees. Most of all amber is golden yellow to golden orange, but there have been specimens discovered in green, red, violet and black as well. An “Ambroid” is a material/stone formed by heating and pressing together several smaller pieces of amber to create a mass large enough to be useful.

Almost always transparent, but at minimum translucent Amber is often found in smaller, irregularly shaped nodules or masses; and can contain small insects or plant specimens that had been trapped millions of years ago while the resin was still in a sticky state.  When found ‘cloudy’ it is usually due to air being trapped in much the same manner in which the insects were, but are often heated in oil which is known to clear up the cloudiness.

Amber is one of the few “stones” that can be charged with electricity. When rubbed, amber produces a negative electrical charge – such as that which attracts dust.  True Amber will float when placed in a solution saturated with salt; imitation amber will sink to the bottom.

The world of gemologists divide amber into specific groups, which include:

• Succinite (Baltic Amber)
• Burmite (Burmese Amber)
• Simetite (Sicilian Amber)
• Rumanite (Rumanian Amber)

The last three are the rarer forms and sources of this golden substance.

Amber, unlike other gemstones, is warm to the touch and often contains insect fragments therefore, it has always been thought to possess life. It is known to be absolutely sacred to worshipers of the Mother Goddess, as it was believed to contain the very essence of life itself – the animating principle.  Also known to be related to Akash, or the “Fifth Element” which is the essence of that which binds and governs all other elements (earth, air, fire, water) and the ultimate source of said elements. Symbolic of life and all living things (plants, animals and humans alike) Akasha is related to Amber.

Yellow/Gold/Orange Amber is said to enhance the beauty of the bearer; said to tap into the power of the sun, it also carries a negative electrical charge and is wonderful to draw power and energy into the bearer as well. Amber is said to assist in manifesting one’s desires and heighten intellectual abilities; clarity of thought and higher wisdom.

It is known to bring the energies of balance, purification, protection, psychic shielding, healing, calmness, patience, romantic love and sensuality. It is also known to be a wonderful good luck charm for marriages.  Amber is good for abundance, healing, success, vitality and joy.

All of these wonderful properties and associations make amber one of the most widely used and prized magical as well as holistic medical substances of all times and places on Earth.

Amber is a powerful cleanser and healer that it told to draw disease from the body as well as promoting the revitalization of tissues. A  stone dedicated to connecting the universal perfection with one’s conscious self.  It draws out negativity by cleansing the environment, and relieves physical pain at the same time.  It will stimulate the body’s own self healing abilities; and if you are a healer, it shall protect you from absorbing negative energies.

An incredibly strong protector it has been used for over 7,000 years to stimulate the metabolism, treat skin ailments caused by metabolic imbalances, treat asthma and most allergic respiratory issues. Generally, wearing a necklace crafted of Amber is the most effective assistance with these ailments.  It acts in a way to purify one’s body and spirit when it is used as an elixir, carried, or worn.

Amber radiates with the throat, alleviating stress and treating throat issues.  Psychologically, Amber not only brings stimulation to the intellect, clearing depression, and bringing a positive emotional state and creative expression, it also motivates by linking what one may wish for together with the drive and encouragement to accomplish it.

Energy: Projective
Element: Fire, Akasha
Powers: Beauty, Harmonizing, Healing, Protection, Soothing, Strength, Love, Luck
Planet: Sun 
Deities: The Great Mother & Freyja
Candle Color: Gold

One of the few substances to be beneficial to almost every aspect of magic. Soothing the nerves as well as the spirit, and imparting the sense of protection, Amber is a powerful stone form manifestation. Placed on the altar or other magical work space it will bring strength to all magical spell-working and bring prosperity to every magical act.  It is also a powerful protector against negative magic, black sorcery and bad luck. In ancient times Amber was burned as an incense to fumigate and clear the environment of negativity.

Specific uses by color:

• Ambroid (amber pressed into forms) dark red gold: calms fears and helps one keep an intellectual outlook.
• Clear, dark red: will contain or destroy negative emotions; calms the spirit.
• Clear golden brown: sharp intellectual focus; clears metal confusion; balances the 6th or Third Eye/Brow Chakra.
• Milky golden: same as clear, but with much more inspirational energy.
• Sea Amber (or burnite, solid, dark golden brown): helps one stay neutral and realistic in difficult situations, balances the 5th or Throat Chakra.

Negative energy may make amber cloudy, and warmer than usual.  Amber should be cleansed under warm water whenever you notice that it warms slightly when you hear or hold it, or if it becomes cloudy. Amber should not be left in the direct sunlight as it may dry it out or become brittle and easily fractured.

Zodiac Stone of: Leo

Associations: Sun

Birthstone: Not a Traditional Birthstone for any Month

Astrology tells us that Amber may attract love and attention, due to the powers that Venus presents, as well as powers of Sun; but Amber is most suitable for Leos. It brings the energy, physical health and sexuality for the this strong sign.

It is told that in ancient Rome some would carry small Amber baubles to rub together to enhance not just physical power, but sexual prowess as well.

Amber is said to be quite a powerful chakra cleanser and healer as well. Physically it brings vitality and spiritually it absorbs pain and negative energy, allowing the body to re-balance and heal. It shall stimulate the navel chakra and in turn help with grounding energies within the body.

Healing, soothing and harmonizing, Amber helps to stabilize the Kundalini and moves the intellect into more harmonizing spiritual paths.  It is excellent tool for inner child, and past life work as it is associated with the 3rd, Solar Plexus Chakra and often the 2nd, Sacral/Navel Chakra. Although if one is fortunate enough to have several colors of Amber, using the colors on the appropriate chakras will facilitate opening and cleansing of the entire chakra system, which in turn helps open the Kundalini energies.