Gemstone Information

Certain conifers and tropical trees secrete a sticky resin (containing aromatic organic compounds such as terpenes, alcohols, and esters) as a natural defense against wood-boring insects and other pests. Over time, the terpenes can become linked and polymerized as the resin eventually hardens to become fossilized amber. Along with general organic debris, amber also often contains within it such "biological inclusions" as entrapped insects and other invertebrates (gnats, ants, bees, wasps, flies, beetles, moths, spiders, and termites are very common; true mosquitoes are rare), botanical parts (flowers, leaves, bark, etc.), occasional mammal hairs, small feathers, and extremely rarely, small vertebrates such as frogs and lizards.

Amber is worldwide in distribution, with different locations corresponding to distinct geological ages, but most commercially available amber is mined in the Dominican Republic and the Baltic region. The former, which contains a great abundance and diversity of inclusions, comes from the extinct leguminous tree Hymenaea protera - a relative of the pea - and has been dated from 15 to 40 mya, although the most recent research places it at about 20 mya.

Amber also sustains an electrostatic charge (its name in ancient Greek is elektron), and has been used for centuries by many civilizations for its magical healing properties, as well as for currency, a preservative, and for the carving of exquisite figurines, amulets, and other magnificent works of art and jewelry. It also occurs in a variety of colors with suggestive names: "butterscotch," "cherry," and even "blue" amber.

ATTRIBUTES  Strictly speaking, Amber is not a crystal at all. It is tree resin that solidified and became fossilized. It has strong connection with  the earth and is a grounding stone for higher energies. Amber is a powerful healer and cleanser that draws dis-ease from the body and promotes tissue revitalization. It also cleans the environment and the chakras It absorbs negative energies and transmutes them into positive forces that stimulate the body to heal itself. A powerful protector. It links the everyday self to the higher spiritual reality.

PSYCHOLOGICALLY, Amber brings stability to life but also motivates by linking what is wished for the drive to achieve it. Its warm, bright energies translate into a sunny, spontaneous disposition that nevertheless respects tradition. It can help counteract suicidal or depressive tendencies.

MENTALLY, Amber stimulates the intellect, clears depression, and promotes a positive mental state and creative self-expression. It brings balance and patience and encourages decision-making, being a useful memory aid. Its flexibility dissolves opposition. Emotionally, Amber encourages peacefulness and develops trust. Spiritually, Amber promotes altruism and brings wisdom.

HEALING  Amber is a powerful chakra cleanser and healer. At a physical level, it imbues the body with vitality and has the power to draw disease out of the body. By absorbing pain and negative energy, Amber allows the body to rebalance and heal itself. Amber alleviates stress. It resonates with the throat, treating goiters and other throat problems. It treats the stomach, spleen, kidneys. bladder. Liver, and gallbladder, alleviates joint problems, and strengthens the mucus membranes. As an elixir and for wound healing, it is an excellent natural antibiotic. It can stimulate the navel chakra and help in grounding energies into the body.

POSITION  Wear prolonged periods, especially on the wrist or throat, or place as appropriate. If treating babies or children, it is beneficial for the mother to wear the stone first.

From 'The Crystal Bible' by Judy Hall.