Formation and Uses of Amber

                                                                                                                      

Amber is a unique gemstone-esque material created from fossilized tree resin. It comes in mostly orange honey colored crystals, and often contains bugs or small creatures who were trapped in the hardening resin. Since Neolithic times, people have been using amber for decoration, however many believe that amber possesses natural healing properties. 

Process of Forming Amber: When trees (mostly pine tress) are damaged, they will secrete resin to cover the injuries and stop further damage. This process is similar to the human immune system. If a creature comes in contact with the flowing resin, then the creature will be trapped in the resin forever and form amber.

The Use of Amber: Amber has been used for decoration, jewelry, Talisman, and healing in a variety of cultures. In Eastern Europe, there is amber spa where hardened amber is placed on a person’s body to help them relax. In parts of Asia, people swallow powered amber in Chinese herbal medicine to cure failing eyesight.

Natural Magic Behind Amber: People believe that wearing healing amber jewelry for a long time will allow them to be in tune with the power and healing potential of amber. In western culture, people associate amber with the Sun, because of its sun-like color. In Greek mythology, people believe that when Phaeton was killed by the God Zeus, his three sisters turned into trees, and their tears turned into amber. In Eastern culture, there is an ancient Chinese saying that, “When the tiger dies, its soul enters the earth and transforms into stone”, or amber.

Scientific Magic behind Amber: In a study in 1877, people first found that Amber has 3-8% succinate (succinic acid). Multiple researchers have shown that succinic acid helps the human immune system. Succinic acid has been shown to help in tranquilizing the mind, relieving convulsions, promoting bloods circulation, and more. Research also suggests that succinate prevents the aging of human cells by slowing down the loss of potassium ions and acting as an antioxidant. For this reason, it has been used not only in medication, but also in anti-aging beauty products.

Reference:

Anashkina, Arina.” How is Amber Formed-A Fun Cartoon Comic.” The Russianstore. Web. <https://www.therussianstore.com/blog/how-is-amber-formed>.

“Amber and History.” Amber SOS. 9 Mar. 2017. Web. < https://www.ambersos.com/history-of-amber.html>.

Knuth,Bruce. “Amber Stories in Myth.” The Amber Lady <http://amberlady.com/stories.htm>

Dharmananda, Subhuti. “ Succinum (Amber) Use in Chinese Medicine.” Web. <http://www.itmonline.org/arts/amber.htm>.