Amber is a very beautiful stone. This article is dedicated to him. In it we will talk about how amber is formed in nature, what properties it possesses. Also, the article will present a characteristic of the stone and interesting facts about it.
Origin of stone
What is amber and how was it formed? Amber is a fossil resin of conifers that previously grew on Earth. This mineral, like many others, has an organic origin. If we consider it from a chemical point of view, then this is a mixture of resins, organic acids (including 8% succinic). It happens that the mineral includes various kinds of impurities, such as nitrogen, iron, sulfur, aluminum and silicon.
Its structure is amphora. In nature, it is found in bulk. That is, amber, as a rule, is in pieces. Sometimes, droplets of resin may be seen. Often there are samples of various kinds with inclusions of air and water bubbles. There are even stones in which pieces of plants and prehistoric insects have been preserved. These minerals are especially appreciated by collectors.
How and where is the mineral formed?
How was amber formed on Earth? The origin of the stone is associated with ancient conifers. They appeared in the Permian period of the geological era. Where the Fennoscandinavian mountains are now, for a long time there was a plain.
Practical fifty million years BC there was a warm, one might even say, hot climate. There were dense forests. They were inhabited by a diverse fauna. Birds jumped on branches, leaving footprints in the tar of trees. In abundance there were various insects (ants, flies, mosquitoes and others). Scientists in amber found about five hundred species of beetles, 450 species of dipterans and sixty species of ants. You can also see other insects in the mineral.
Strong storms fell trees, broke branches. Of the latter, resin was accumulated, which accumulated. Insects sat on it and drowned in it. Gradually, the resin solidified, and so the mineral appeared.
Those who are interested in how amber is formed in the Baltic Sea should find out that later the coal-bearing deposits of the above forests were washed by the sea. As a result, amber fell into its clay mud, which is also sometimes called the “blue earth”. And thanks to this, now this mineral is mined in the Palmniken deposit on the western coast of the Zamlansky peninsula in the Baltic Sea, forty kilometers from Kaliningrad. The inhabitants of the Baltic states, who are in love with this stone, call it “a piece of sunlight.”
Many people wonder how many years amber has been formed. It is impossible to answer this question precisely. But we can assume that it takes millions of years. Certain conditions for the disposal of the resin are also needed.
Deposits of stone and an enterprise for its extraction
It is already clear how amber was formed. Now let's talk about the only enterprise that is engaged in its extraction. It is located in Russia, in the Kaliningrad region in the village of Yantarnoye. Amber deposits in this region make up at least 90% of the world. Also, the stone is found in Canada, Sicily, Romania, the Dominican Republic, Ukraine, the United States and other countries.
The use of amber
Use a stone for inserts in various jewelry. In addition, small decorative items are cut from it. In ancient times, magic tools, liturgical utensils and clothes were trimmed with stone.
The healing properties of stone
We have already figured out how amber was formed. Now let's talk about the healing properties of stone. Previously it was believed that there are no such ailments from which amber will not heal. Now it is also used in modern medicine. It helps with angina, headache, improves heart function, positively affects the spleen. Amber also helps to cope with other ailments.
Amber has a positive effect on lymph and blood. It also helps with varicose veins. Now in medicine, the fact that amber can inhibit hemolysis is noted. The stone also helps with fibroids, cysts and other tumors (both benign and malignant). This effect is easy to explain. Amber inhibits pathological cell division. This contributes to the resorption of tumors, the death of harmful cells.
Amber contains iodine. For this reason, it is useful to wear beads from this material for the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases that occur when there is a lack of the above trace element in the body.
There are also other useful elements in amber. It contains succinic acid, which activates the metabolism. In general, this acid has a very wide range of medical effects. It, for example, stimulates the nervous system, improves the activity of the intestines, kidneys. It is used as an antitoxic, anti-stress agent.
Amber crumb is used in the manufacture of valuable drugs, such as antiseptics, cortisone acetate, antiseptics and others.
The magical properties of the mineral. How can amber be used as an amulet?
We have already examined in detail how amber was formed, what medicinal properties it possesses. Now consider the magic. Amber is a symbol of health and happiness. Its magical properties are diverse. In ancient times, stone was used as an amulet. It was believed that he is a source of optimism, creativity, as well as faith. Stone enhances intuition. It also helps the implementation of plans, brings peace, joy, maintains health.
Pregnant stone is needed. If a woman in position will wear it, then she will retain the fetus and successfully give birth. If the nursing mother has such an amulet, then the child will develop a good, cheerful disposition.
Stone (uncultivated) scares off evil spirits by putting it near a pillow. To protect the housing from lightning and fires, it is worth keeping objects from amber at home.
Interesting facts about the yellow mineral
Let's look at some interesting information about this stone:
- Amber is a mineral that among many nations was revered as a stone of power. For example, the pharaoh Tutankhamun crown was decorated with this mineral.
- In ancient Greece, this gem was considered a stone of the sun.
- In amber, there are often inclusions called “inclusions”. These are arthropod insects. They perished in quick-setting mass. Thanks to what it turned out well to keep the smallest details.
- The ancient Romans had their own version of how amber was formed. These people called the mineral "linkurium." Translated, the name means - "lynx urine." According to legend, amber is considered to be a beautiful stone, which was formed from petrified urine of a representative of a (mountainous) feline family.
Little conclusion
Now you know how amber was formed, what kind of stone it is, what properties it has. We also talked about where and how the mineral is used. We hope that this information was not only interesting, but also useful for you.