When it comes to amber, we present a honey or cognac translucent stone. Not everyone knows that about 250 shades of amber are found in nature. There are very rare nuggets: blue, red, green. Royal amber is a subspecies of white, but with an exquisite shade of ivory.
Of all the existing species, this stone is the rarest. Its high cost is explained by low production - just over 2% of the total mass.
Mineral characteristics
The noble fellow of cognac or honey amber habitual to us is never translucent or transparent. It has a dense white or bone color with blue, yellow, black and blue inclusions. Rare stone occupies the first position in the classification of fossil resins and refers to jewelry.
Royal amber, a photo of which is rarely seen even on the pages of special publications, only visually seems like that. In fact, it is yellow, but during the formation it is filled with microscopic particles of moisture and air. The hue of the mineral depends on the percentage of these components. The more air and moisture in its composition, the lighter the stone, has a more matte structure.
Natural mineral of tremendous beauty is very popular among jewelers around the world and has the glory of a magic amulet. In our opinion, the magical properties of the stone depend more on self-hypnosis, but healing is really inherent in white amber.
Stone description
Amber is white, royal, bone, milk, ivory, landscape .... This species has many names. Its white color is explained by the pelimorphic calcite included in its composition, although it can have other inclusions - from yellow to black.
Specialists attribute royal amber to succinites. Gemologists distinguish two of its varieties.
Knocken
The opacity and color of this mineral is explained, in addition to the presence of calcite, by a large number of micro-bubbles. There are up to a million per square centimeter. Compare: in the stones of honey color, there are no more than six thousand bubbles. Due to the fact that half the volume in the knoken is occupied by gases and air, it is much lighter than ordinary amber. However, you should not think that you can notice this by holding the jewelry in your hand - the weight can only be determined on the scales by comparing stones of the same size.
Today this mineral is very much appreciated. But it was not always so. It was used in ancient Rome for fortune telling, as well as for medicinal purposes: a stone emits a pleasant aroma when burned, which, according to healers, has a beneficial effect on health. In the East, white amber was valued more than traditional minerals. For one large stone, several dozen daggers were given.
Lactic
White matte mineral with honey or colored veins. Even in antiquity, it was used to create paintings, due to which it received one of its names - “landscape”.
Where is white amber mined?
Nuggets began to be mined in ancient times. Already then their uniqueness and value was known. The highest quality and largest gems are found in the Baltic deposits. More than 80% of the total amount of royal amber is mined on them. The largest section in the world is located in Kaliningrad. This mineral is mined in an open way, not being removed from the mine, but washed in water. Sometimes there are very large specimens that have no analogues in the world.
There are smaller deposits on the territory of Poland, but they are not being developed there, since the deposits are at great depths, and their development requires large material investments.
After researching the mineral, scientists proved that amber treatment practiced by traditional healers has a scientific basis. The gem contains a lot of succinic acid. It is a biostimulant that has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and thyroid gland. With stress and outbursts of rage, amber calms the nerves, which in this case is recommended to be worn in the form of bracelets on the hands or a necklace on the neck.
The stone protects the health of the mother and the unborn baby, so it is recommended to wear it during pregnancy. Amber of white color protects from damage and the evil eye, fills with vitality and energy.
The healing properties of royal amber
The rich mineral composition of this gem interested ancient scientists. For medicinal purposes, Hippocrates first began to use it in the III century BC. The healers of that time were sure that a rare mineral was able to cope with almost any ailment, and it was used very widely in medicine. It is scientifically proven that the bioactive substances that make up the mineral have a beneficial effect on the body. The main healing properties of the stone include:
- ability to dissolve neoplasms;
- slow down the formation of pathological cells;
- have an anti-inflammatory effect;
- bactericidal and antitoxic property.
White amber-based products are used to treat diseases of the bronchi, joints, liver cirrhosis, varicose veins, pyelonephritis and others. It is used to neutralize poisons, relieves poisoning, strengthens the nervous system and relieves stress. Royal amber necklaces and beads normalize the thyroid gland.
Being a powerful natural antiseptic, royal amber prevents the development of acne, relieves redness and irritation. When used in cosmetic procedures and special products, it has a rejuvenating effect, smoothes wrinkles, and improves muscle and skin tone.
Magical properties
Amber in spiritual practices is recommended to keep milky-colored amber in the house to improve the aura, create coziness and a comfortable atmosphere. They say that if you wear a stone on your body, it contributes to a surge of vitality and strength and improves health, gives the owner financial well-being.
The use of white amber
The range of use of white amber is much wider than the stones of the usual colors for us. Not only jewelry is made from it, but also various crafts, figurines, chess, chandeliers, watches. Small nuggets are used in the manufacture of panels and paintings. Salaries for the icons are made from knoken.
The royal amber in silver looks respectably and harmoniously. Look at the photo. Probably every woman would like to have a similar decoration. With constant wearing, you can improve the state of the nervous system and get rid of attacks of rage and stress.
The beauty of jewelry depends on two factors: the natural properties of the mineral and the professionalism of the master. This stone is difficult to process - it is quite strong, but chips are the most dangerous for beginners. Only a jeweler of the highest class can create amazing jewelry, figurines and paintings from it, preserving the natural beauty of the mineral.
Unlike other types of amber, white is used for processing scabbards, making salaries for icons. Statuettes from it and amulets look very beautiful. Experienced craftsmen skillfully use the features of stone in textured jewelry.
White amber prices
The cost of nuggets and jewelry made of this stone depends on the size of the stone, its transparency and purity, the presence of inclusions. Very large specimens are exhibits of museums, and smaller nuggets are used in jewelry. The cost of one gram of royal amber can reach up to $ 100. A medium-sized nugget costs at least 100 y. e., and larger minerals are estimated at hundreds of arbitrary units. Royal amber beads are sometimes auctioned, and their cost reaches 1.5 thousand dollars.
White amber is a surprisingly beautiful and rare stone. Many ladies would like to become the owner of such a luxurious decoration, but because of its high price, not everyone can fulfill their dream.