In order to know the meaning of the term amber, the first thing we will do is discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can establish that it is a word derived from Arabic, specifically “anbar”. This was used to refer to the gray amber that was generated in the intestine of the sperm whale.
According to DigoPaul, the amber is a resin source plant that went through a process of fossilization and is considered a semi – precious stone. It is a yellowish or brown material that has hardness although it can break with some ease.
Resins are formed from the remains of plants, especially conifers. It is important to note that, depending on its components, the characteristics and structure of the resin varies.
Its formation begins when the tree suffers some type of damage to its bark, causing its resin to escape. Upon reaching the outside, this secretion can harden due to various factors: for example, through a polymerization process that takes place within certain rocks. In this way, the organic secretion of the tree is fossilized and gives rise to what is known as amber.
The courbaril Hymenaea and Pinus succinifera are some trees which can generate amber resins. The shades of this element are very varied: there is amber yellow, brown, green, white, red, orange, etc. Jewelery and various ornamental elements are made from amber.
Other curiosities about amber are as follows:
-It is considered to be the oldest gemstone.
-It is also known as a hot stone because the light that radiates gives the sensation that burns the hand when it is caught. However, it should not be forgotten that up to thirty different names are given to it.
-The Persians called it “kajruba” and in Ancient Greece they refer to amber as “electron”. And the Romans, for their part, bet on calling it “succinct”.
Some ancient peoples attributed supernatural qualities to amber. In this way it was used as an amulet or a talisman. In some regions, there is still a custom of wearing amber for protection.
Among the properties or “powers” attributed to amber we can highlight the following:
-It is considered that they radiate such a remarkable force that the person who has one is absolutely protected from what black magic is. And it is established that it is in charge of absorbing all negative energies and transforming them into positive ones.
-In the same way it is indicated that it is capable of increasing creativity and intellect.
-Get the person in question to improve their self-esteem, put aside nervousness and stress, relax, find peace…
-There are some who even use amber as an “amulet” because it is believed that it helps to find love and even increase what is sexual pleasure.
It should be noted that sometimes, while the resin is fossilizing, insects, seeds, drops or air bubbles remain trapped in the substance. The DNA of what is fossilized, therefore, is conserved over time.
