The Mineraloid Amber

Mineraloids are a few solid substances that occur naturally in the Earth, but do not quite conform to the basic properties of minerals. They fit into none of the chemical families, rarely form crystals and are typically organic in origin, evolving from fossilized or compacted living matter. One of these mineraloids is Amber, which is fossilized pine tree resin.

Amber is often regarded as a gem, but is not a mineral, but a solid organic material. It is a form of tree resin that was exuded to protect the tree against disease and insect infestation. This then hardened and was persevered for millions of years. Amber slowly oxidizes and degrades when exposed to oxygen, so it survives only under special conditions.

It is almost always found in dense, wet sediments, such as clay or sand formed in ancient lagoon or river delta beds. It is typically found embedded in shale or washed up on beaches. Most amber deposits contain only fragments of amber, but a few contain enough to make it worth mining, such as those found along the shores of the Baltic seas where amber formed in sands 40-60 million years ago, and those from the Dominican Republic.

Amber can form nodules, rods and droplets in various shades of orange, yellow, red or cognac, deep green, and brown. Milky-white varieties are called bone amber. Modern analysis techniques are beginning to indentify the detailed composition of ambers and link them to modern resin-making trees. Mexican amber, for instance is linked to the Hymenea tree. Up to 3,000 different inclusions have been found in amber objects. These range from beetles and flies to spiders and water drops attached to the resin in primeval times and then petrified with it.

It is said that for 7,000 years amber has been used to stimulate the metabolism and treat skin ailments caused by metabolic imbalance. It is also said to have soothing, calming, and cleaning powers. Because of its warmth it is also used in the treatment of asthma, allergic respiratory problems, and is good for treating rheumatism and strengthening the heart muscles.

Mystically, gold-colored amber symbolizes success; it is the Star sign of Geminis, Leos and Virgos. Amber should be cleansed under lukewarm running water and never leave amber in the sun, this will make it brittle.

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