What does untreated amber look like?
Solar gems have been known to people since Paleolithic times. Our ancestors created beads, pendants and amulets from them, attributing magical and healing qualities to cabochons. It is not surprising that there are so many legends and myths about precious stones. And now the best scientists are studying them – and this article will tell you about all the discoveries they made!
Cured resin – interesting facts
Amber is the name given to the petrified resin of coniferous trees that grew in the Upper Cretaceous (100,5-66 million years BC) and Paleogene (66-23,03 million years BC) periods. The hypothesis about precisely this origin of gems was substantiated by Aristotle and Pliny. However, there were also more poetic versions. For example, the ancient Romans believed that cabochons were born from the tears of the mother and sisters of Phaeton, the son of the Sun deity Helios, who tried to ride his father’s chariot, but, unable to control the immortal horses, fell into the sea. And the Latvian legend says that the shining stones arose at the behest of the goddess Jurata, who was grieving for her beloved Kastitis.
Solar Gems are the only jewels that contain inclusions (natural inclusions in the form of arthropods, reptiles or plants, forever frozen in fossil resin). Such nuggets are quite rare and are of great interest to archaeologists, paleobotanists and cryptozoologists.
Cabochons without inclusions are no less valued. Natural precious stones are distinguished by an extremely rich palette – from snow-white (so-called “bone” or “milk” gems) to crimson, terracotta, dark brown and impenetrable black tones. Sometimes they even change color during wear, becoming brighter or fading. There are also many people who want to buy unprocessed amber, covered with a porous, rough weathering bark – it looks original and natural. Shimmering gemstones are mined in many parts of the world. Their deposits are found in the USA, Mexico, Burma, Sicily, France, Romania, and the Kaliningrad region of Russia. However, the most promising deposit is hidden in the “amber triangle”, located within the Volyn, Zhytomyr, Rivne and Kyiv regions. According to experts, the reserves of gems amount to about 2 thousand tons, 95% of which are suitable for use in jewelry.
Amber in medicine
Things made from petrified resin are not only a beautiful accessory, but also an effective medicine. In contact with the skin, they saturate the body with microelements (magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium and iodine), as well as succinic acid and oil – powerful antioxidants and sorbents that destroy toxins, bacteria and even radioactive particles. Solar gems prevent thyroid diseases and cancer, relieve inflammation (for example, rheumatism), improve blood supply to all organs, normalize the functioning of the brain, joints and gastrointestinal tract. They have a positive effect on the lungs, serving as an excellent prevention of colds, sore throats, bronchitis and other similar diseases. The substances contained in precious stones also take care of the skin, increasing its elasticity, removing pimples, acne and age spots. 
Amulet bracelet with red thread and polished amber 1 UAH 518 UAH 
Bracelet made of honey amber stones 756 UAH 756 UAH 
Beads made of light polished amber “Grapes” 4 UAH 000 UAH 
Figured polished amber pendant (medicinal) 2 UAH 380 UAH 
Multi-row bracelet made of stones 1 UAH 080 UAH 
Bracelet made of cylindrical stones 4 UAH 279 UAH 
Polished amber beads “Travka” 1 UAH 448 UAH 
Bracelet with amber stones 828 UAH 828 UAH 
Amber polished pendant (medicinal) 2 UAH 108 UAH 
Thread bracelet with stones 540 UAH 540 UAH 
Amber bracelet made of polished plates 3 UAH 556 UAH 
Amber polished pendant (medicinal) with natural marbled coloring 2 UAH 278 UAH 
Amber beads “Grass” 1 UAH 494 UAH 
Polished amber pendant (medicinal) with relief carvings 1 UAH 462 UAH 
Polished amber beads 6 UAH 419 UAH 
Bracelet with amber stones 612 UAH 612 UAH 
Pendant made of polished amber (medicinal) with relief carvings 2 UAH 108 UAH 
Amber bracelet “Olive” 3 UAH 595 UAH 
Bracelet made of polished amber stones “Grass” 900 UAH 900 UAH 
Polished amber beads 4 UAH 667 UAH 
Bracelet made of stones 1 UAH 163 UAH 
Bracelet with amber stones 612 UAH 612 UAH 
Polished amber beads 4 UAH 667 UAH 
Polished amber beads 4 UAH 667 UAH 
Polished healing thread beads with braided pendant 1 UAH 224 UAH 
Bracelet made of cognac-colored amber discs 9 UAH 089 UAH 
Bracelet made of plate stones 3 UAH 919 UAH 
Polished amber beads 5 UAH 252 UAH 
Amulet bracelet with red thread and light polished amber 1 UAH 518 UAH 
Amber amulet bracelet with red thread 2 UAH 121 UAH 
Amber beads “Grass” 1 UAH 494 UAH 
Amulet bracelet with red thread and polished honey-colored amber 2 UAH 121 UAH 
Polished amber bracelet 1 UAH 095 UAH 
Amber polished drop-shaped pendant (medicinal) 1 UAH 530 UAH 
Bracelet made of polished amber stones 872 UAH 872 UAH 
Amber polished pendant (medicinal) “Sunny” 1 UAH 054 UAH 
Bracelet with amber stones 828 UAH 828 UAH 
Bracelet made of polished amber stones 900 UAH 900 UAH 
Amber disc bracelet 26 UAH 166 UAH 
Amber polished pendant of elongated shape (medicinal) 1 UAH 224 UAH 
Figured pendant made of light polished amber (medicinal) 1 UAH 802 UAH 
Multi-row braided bracelet made of polished dark amber stones 1 UAH 620 UAH 
Multi-row braided bracelet made of polished amber stones 2 UAH 088 UAH 
Braided bracelet with amber 828 UAH 828 UAH 
Pendant made of light polished amber (medicinal) 1 UAH 938 UAH 
Amber bracelet “Grass” 1 UAH 266 UAH 
Pendant made of polished amber (medicinal) with patterned natural coloring 1 UAH 972 UAH 
Amulet bracelet with red thread and dark polished amber 2 UAH 121 UAH In order to experience a similar effect, you should buy beads made from raw amber – it is in such works that there are the most healing elements. You can wear them constantly or alternate with a pendant (it must be placed in the solar plexus area) or a bracelet – there are also many biologically active points on the wrist. Stone chips are also used in therapy. It is used both externally, mixing with oil and lightly massaging the sore spots for 10-15 minutes, and internally, making a special tincture (for this you will need to pour 2,5 g of crushed cabochons with 0,5 liters of alcohol, strain the solution after a day and draining the sediment). Additionally, the hardened resin successfully activates neural connections, eliminating the effects of prolonged stress, depression, and other psychophysiological problems, as well as relieving headaches and migraines. Wearing accessories made from it, you will always feel cheerfulness and joy of life. 
Solar gems are an inexhaustible source of energy
The beneficial properties of amber are studied not only by medicine and pharmacology – it is no less in demand in esoteric practices. Charms made of radiant stones were found in the dwellings of Upper Paleolithic people (40-12 thousand years ago). By the way, one of these parking lots is located in the village. Mezhirichi (Dnieper region, Ukraine). Products made from hardened resin give the owner inspiration, charisma, self-confidence, optimism and the ability to insist on one’s own. In addition, they develop intuition, give equanimity and peace. With such talismans, you will achieve success in any endeavor, find good luck and enlist the support of higher powers. A If you store pieces of natural amber in your home, your home will be reliably protected from ill-wishers, envious people, evil forces and natural disasters. Gemstone jewelry is a traditional accessory for pregnant women and nursing mothers – they facilitate pregnancy, allow faster recovery after childbirth, and promote abundant lactation. And in ancient times, such things were also put on children – it was believed that with them the child would be healthy, beautiful and strong. Who is amber suitable for? Almost all zodiac signs are astrologically compatible with it. Thus, precious stones best influence representatives of the fire element – Leo, Aries and Sagittarius, strengthening them and cleansing them of negative influences. Those born under the “airy” stars of Libra, Aquarius and Gemini will receive creative impulse and strength to implement their plans from solar gems. By trying on a thing made of frozen resin, “water” signs (Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio) will be able to become calmer and more balanced. But for “earthly” symbols, and especially Taurus, shining cabochons are contraindicated. And our online store “Yantar Polesya” will help you purchase natural gems of any shade, size and texture. Here you will find magnificent accessories made of polished cabochons, colorful jewelry made of polished stones, and stylish interior souvenirs – paintings, icons, candlesticks, watches, table figurines. What is raw amber and what does it look like? Why isn’t all amber processed? physical characteristics Medicinal properties Magical properties Application Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign? Is it possible to process amber at home? Untreated stones have always been given special importance, since it was believed that any processing (cutting, polishing, refining) conceals the healing power of the mineral. Raw amber, which is also called wild, is included in the list of healing stones. Today, untreated samples are purchased by both collectors and connoisseurs of such jewelry.
What is raw amber and what does it look like?
Amber is a fossilized solidified resin (resin) of coniferous trees. It is not a mineral because it does not have a crystal lattice. It is classified as a mineraloid. More than 90% of world production comes from Baltic amber (succinite). The unique feature of this formation is that nature itself worked on the processing – sand and sun created the color and pattern, sea water polished it.
Each sample of amber is unique, therefore, despite the ease of processing, jewelers often prefer to leave it in its original form, choosing only a suitable frame. In addition, such samples have a special aesthetics. At the same time, many of them are opaque, but upon contact with the body and clothing, a slight polishing occurs, increasing the degree of transparency over time. Such amber is washed before creating jewelry with it. The crust is either not sanded off at all, or is preserved to the maximum, only emphasizing the interesting texture – roughness, unevenness. For beads, it is drilled and sometimes adjusted in shape and size so that the elements do not differ greatly in decoration. There are several varieties of unprocessed amber: transparent, cloudy, bastard, bone and foam.
Why isn’t all amber processed?
- Wild amber has a unique texture that gives jewelry a special aesthetics and originality.
- Untreated samples contain more succinic acid, which has beneficial properties.
- During processing, the mass of the mineraloid decreases. This is critical for large (more than 1 kg) collection and exhibition samples.
physical characteristics
Wild amber has the same physical properties as processed amber, with the exception of transparency – the former is most often opaque. Hardness ranges from 2 to 2,5 on the Mohs scale. The density is 1 g/ml. Unprocessed amber is also fragile and electrified.
The color of untreated samples is most often cognac, honey yellow, toffee, and brown. It can be red, milky white, greenish. Samples typically contain varying amounts of inclusions in the form of air bubbles, pieces of bark, algae or insect fragments.
Medicinal properties
Raw amber is also called medicinal because it contains a lot of succinic acid, which has beneficial properties. They especially prefer to wear beads and large pendants with it, as they believe that it helps with diseases of the thyroid gland and inflammatory processes in the throat. Amber beads are also useful for those people who earn money with their voices: singers, announcers, actors, etc.
Among the medicinal properties of succinic acid, they note the benefits for asthenic conditions, the ability to reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol, protect the liver from overload when disposing of toxic substances coming from food and alcohol, etc. At the same time, it does not accumulate in the body. For amber to have an effect, it must be in direct contact with the body, and not through the frame.
Inhalation of essential oils emitted by heated (for example, in warm water) wild amber helps to alleviate bronchopulmonary diseases. Some people also use it as a compress to relieve joint pain and migraines by applying it to their temple.
In any case, lithotherapy cannot act as an independent method of treatment, but only as a supplement to doctor’s prescriptions.
Magical properties
At all times, people believed that amber, including unprocessed amber, has magical properties: it protects the owner from other people’s negativity and envy, brings peace and prosperity, teaches a person to enjoy the simple things in life and let go of the past.
The mineraloid is credited with the ability to help creative people – it gives them inspiration, as well as those who are used to relying more on the heart than on the mind. With the help of amber, the likelihood of finding a solution in a difficult situation increases, and it is much easier to endure the ups and downs of life.
It is believed that jewelry made from this natural formation is useful for pregnant women to wear for successful pregnancy and delivery. A piece of amber under a baby’s pillow preserves sleep, removes fears, and facilitates teething. It also helps adults sleep better. Helps women maintain health, youth and beauty.
Application
Unprocessed amber has the same wide application as that which has been cut and polished, namely, it is used to create jewelry and interior decor, as collectible specimens and amulet.
Most often you can find amber beads, pendants and bracelets. Rings and earrings are also inlaid with raw inserts. Unprocessed amber is also used in alternative medicine.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Astrologers do not make distinctions from the point of view of the horoscope for stones that have undergone and have not undergone treatment. It is believed that amber is especially suitable for Leos, acting as a talisman for them, but in general it “gets along” with all signs of the zodiac.
Perhaps Taurus is not recommended to wear amber jewelry for too long, but it is not strictly contraindicated. In representatives of this sign, the stone gives rise to too much ambition and obsession with material things.
For Leos, amber will help increase strength and power, give stamina and balance. It emphasizes the brightness and individuality of its owner, helps in professional activities, allowing you to easily move up the career ladder.
Is it possible to process amber at home?
Unprocessed amber is cheaper than that which has passed through the hands of jewelers. Sometimes it is bought in its original form and processed at home, since this does not require complex tools or special skills.
- The samples are washed to remove the dark crust, which is oxides.
- Then the surface layer is ground off and weathered.
- Processing is carried out with a file or electric sharpener.
- After peeling, remove the patina crust and continue the procedure on the transparent side.
Further operations with the workpiece are reduced to shaping, for which a file and sandpaper are used, grinding and polishing. To sand the sample, spray it with water and use alternately coarse and fine grit sandpaper. Polishing is preferably carried out on felt wheels, which are mounted on an electric sharpener, using goya paste.
Since amber has significant viscosity, it is processed at increased rotation speeds. To remove the outer oxidized crust and give the workpiece an approximate shape, you can use a knife, a triangular file, chisels and sandpaper.
Read also about amber
https://miuz.ru/guide/stones/jewelrystones/neobrabotannyj-yantar/
raw amber
Raw amber What is raw amber and what does it look like? Why isn’t all amber processed? Physical characteristics Medicinal properties Magical properties Application Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign? Is it possible to process yant?
