What is Amber?
“What Is That? Is That Amber? I Love Amber!” These words never fail to spark excitement whenever amber jewelry makes an appearance. But what exactly is this fascinating, honey-like gem?
Amber is not just a stone; it’s a piece of ancient history. This fossilized resin of long-extinct trees has been cherished for its warm hues and natural beauty for centuries. Its allure is further heightened by its unique origins—amber often preserves ancient plant material, insects, and other fascinating remnants of prehistoric life, frozen in time.
Discover the timeless beauty of Baltic Amber with Zoria Amber Jewelry – where history meets elegance.
Baltic Amber
As the name suggests, Baltic Amber originates from the Baltic Sea region in central Europe. This remarkable amber is distinct from others due to its high Succinic Acid content, which ranges from 8% to 10%. Known for its powerful healing properties, Baltic Amber is often referred to as “Succinite” or the “healing stone”.
The Healing Power of Succinic Acid
The presence of Succinic Acid is what sets Baltic Amber apart. This natural compound has been known for centuries for its anti-inflammatory effects on the human body. It has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, from reducing inflammation to promoting overall wellness.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Baltic Amber is highly valued not only for its beauty but also for its therapeutic benefits. Whether worn as jewelry or used in alternative healing practices, Baltic Amber remains one of nature’s most powerful gifts.
Color
Amber is a versatile gemstone that comes in a stunning array of colors, each with its own unique charm. While the classic golden or orange (cognac) shade is the most widely recognized, amber can be found in many different hues, from pale lemon yellow to rich browns and deep blacks.
The Beautiful Spectrum of Amber Colors
- Golden Amber (Cognac): The iconic warm, honey-like shade that most people associate with amber.
- Pale Lemon Yellow: A soft, delicate hue perfect for a subtle, elegant look.
- Cherry Amber: Also known as dark red amber, this variety features a rich, red-toned hue that adds a touch of boldness.
- Green Amber: A unique and enchanting color that offers a fresh and vibrant appearance.
- Blue Amber: One of the rarest and most coveted types, prized for its striking, bluish glow.
Fake or Real?
Baltic Amber is widely regarded as the highest quality amber in the world, known for its beauty, natural history, and therapeutic properties. However, because amber is a lightweight, organic fossil resin, it can be imitated using materials such as plastics, glass, casein, and copal. To ensure you’re purchasing genuine amber, there are several easy tests you can perform.
Tests to Identify Authentic Baltic Amber
Saltwater Test:
Genuine Baltic Amber is buoyant and will float in saltwater. In contrast, most counterfeit ambers, made from plastic or glass, will sink.Touch Test:
Real amber feels warm to the touch and, when rubbed, becomes slightly warmer and electrostatically charged. This charge allows amber to attract lightweight items, such as small pieces of paper or hair. Counterfeit amber will not have this effect.UV Light Test:
Baltic Amber reacts to UV light by glowing a bluish hue. The deeper the blue glow, the higher the quality of the amber. In China, this specific reaction is known as “blue amber,” and it is highly valued for its exceptional beauty.
By performing these simple tests, you can be confident in the authenticity of your Baltic Amber jewelry, ensuring that you’re getting a genuine, high-quality piece that will last for years to come.
Shop authentic and high-quality Baltic Amber jewelry at Zoria Amber Jewelry and experience the beauty and power of real amber.