Amber

Baltic Amber

Baltic amber (succinite) is a fossil resin that is about 40 million years old. It stands out from other resins due to its age, succinic acid content from 3 to 8% and exceptional beauty. Currently, almost half of the world’s Baltic amber production comes from Sambia from the Plażowa mine in Jantarne. Amber lumps extracted in Sambia mines or found on Baltic beaches are solidified resin of coniferous trees, the species of which has not yet been finally determined.

The characteristics and properties of Baltic amber

From a chemical point of view, Baltic amber consists of 79% carbon, 10.5% oxygen and 10.5% hydrogen. It is practically insoluble in the most common solvents.

Natural Baltic amber occurs in two basic varieties (which depend on the internal structure) – transparent and opaque. The transparent variety is one in which there are no gas bubbles, the so-called gem, or there are a small amount of them with a cloud. Opaque varieties, on the other hand, can occur in white and yellow colors.

Opaque white amber is formed when the number of gas bubbles reaches 900,000 on the surface of 1 mm2. The internal structure then acquires the character of foam, the amber is very light, and its color becomes white. Opaque yellow amber is formed when the number of gas bubbles reaches 25,000 on the surface of 1 mm2. Amber is an “eternally living stone” that manifests its life through changes in color. This happens as a result of the action of air, light, and changes in humidity and temperature. Changes in the color and structure of amber are noticeable after 15-20 years. Light colors change to increasingly orange, red, and become covered with bark. Amber weathers from the outside to the inside.

There are no red or black ambers in nature. These colors are artificial, obtained in an autoclave under the influence of high temperature, pressure, and other inhibitors.

Baltic amber contains 3 to 8% succinic acid, which distinguishes it from other resins in the world (they contain 0 to 3% succinic acid). The most succinic acid is found in the outer layer of amber, the so-called bark.

Therefore, if you believe in the health properties of amber, it is best to wear products made of unpolished amber. In addition, rubbing it with a cloth will electrostatically charge it and then attract small particles, e.g. scraps of paper. What is more, amber emits a pleasant, pleasant, resinous smell when burning. It floats on the surface of salt water but sinks in fresh water (due to its density being similar to sea water). On the Mohs scale, its hardness is 2.0-2.5 (between gypsum – hardness 2.0, and calcite – hardness 3.0).

Explore the magical and healing power of amber

Amber contains many valuable trace element such as silicon, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, organic compounds combined with iodine volatiles, resin, acids.

It has been discovered that succinic acid acts as biostimulator – it stimulates the nervous system, regulates the work of the kidneys and intestines, is antiinflammatory and antitoxic. This component is used as a basis for ointments and creams, as well as for rheumatism, asthma, ulcers and imitation of the skin and can be used in the treatment of bronchial, throat and thyroid gland. Acid and oil obtained from amber are also used by the cosmetics industry as they destroy free radicals and bacteria, have disinfectant properties, as well as mitigating the effects of bums and insect bites. Cosmetics containing amber are designed to care for tired skin. They also improve the hydration and lubrication, increase firmness and elasticity, reduce roughness of the skin and reduce wrinkles.