Used in lithotherapy for its many virtues, allowing to relieve both physical and psychological problems, amber is an organic gem in the same way as coral, pearls, jet or ivory. To find out more about this gem, which has also been used to make jewellery for thousands of years, find out more about its main characteristics, as well as its powers and virtues in lithotherapy.
What does amber look like? Its characteristics.
Wrongly considered a fine stone, natural amber is a non-mineral material; it is of organic origin, like coral, mother-of-pearl, oyster pearls and ivory. It results from the fossilization of plant resins in oligocene sediments and alluvium, which explains its basic formula C12H20O. Some ambers contain inclusions of Hydrogen Sulphide H2S, hence the shades of colour between very light white and deep black, with bluish or green luminescence. Most of the time, amber is easily recognisable by its honey colour.
Relatively softer than quartz, amber is characterised by a hardness of 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale and a density of 1 to 1.1.
In order not to confuse natural amber with synthetic amber, which is artificial, it is preferable to do the test to authenticate it. To do this, one can opt for simple techniques that do not damage the gem: floating in salt water, rubbing which allows an electrostatic reaction (verifiable on straw hair or small pieces of paper) or even fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
The main countries producing natural amber in Europe are Poland, Russia, Lithuania and Estonia. The Dominican Republic and Mexico also have large deposits of natural amber.
Astrological correspondences of amber
Because of its flashes of fire and gold, natural amber, often honey-coloured, symbolises sunshine, purity and immortality. It is often associated with the sign of Leo, which is a sun sign and likes to shine in society. Its virtues in lithotherapy also make it a gem associated with the signs of the Virgin and Gemini.
In Chinese astrology, amber, which is a gem of summer and light, of positive Yang polarity, is that of the sign of the Tiger, whose metal is gold.
Powers and virtues of amber in lithotherapy
Used in medicine since the dawn of time, amber is one of the stones commonly used in lithotherapy, an alternative medicine consisting of healing oneself with stones or crystals. It has many benefits and virtues both physically and psychologically. Check
www.minerals-kingdom.com/ for more information about the virtues of Amber natural stone.
How to use amber in lithotherapy?
To benefit from the virtues of amber on physical and psychological health, it can be worn as a jewel. This gem is in fact used in jewellery to adorn all types of jewellery: rings, brooches, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants, etc.
It is also possible to take advantage of amber in internal use, as an elixir, especially to strengthen the immune system and benefit from its analgesic virtues.
Purification and recharging of amber
Amber, which is a very soft stone, is quite fragile, which is why it must be taken care of. A little cold water and soap is enough to clean it.
It is also preferable to remove amber jewellery during household chores to avoid repeated rubbing with abrasive surfaces.
Like other gems used in lithotherapy, amber needs to be purified regularly. Simply place it under running water for 15 minutes, or in a large bowl of water at night. Do not use acidic products, or products containing alcohol. Unlike other gems such as rose quartz or amethyst which recharge under the sun, amber does not tolerate exposure to the sun.