Amber, distinct from many gemstones, is actually fossilized tree resin. Its allure has been cherished for millennia. Dive into amber symbolism with this comprehensive guide covering all aspects of this beautiful gem.
Keyword(s): amber symbolism
Have you ever come across small yellow stones with what appear to be insects inside? Surprise– that’s not just a stone. It’s a fossil.
And those are genuine insects.
This ancient material is called Amber. Available both as standalone stones and in the form of jewelry, it’s fascinating when you consider its age!
Amber boasts an array of benefits for the mind, body, and soul, and it carries significant symbolism as well.
Interested in discovering the symbolism and benefits of amber jewelry? Keep reading!
What Is Amber?
Contrary to popular belief, amber is not a precious stone but rather fossilized pine tree resin, aged over hundreds of thousands of years. Quite ancient sap, indeed.
The oldest amber with preserved insects inside dates back 230 million years, featuring ancient relatives of gnats and mosquitoes within the gem. Even though amber is considered a gem, it isn’t classified as a gemstone.
Amber pieces containing insects are rare. Typically, smaller pieces of amber are found in the Baltic region. Occasionally, scientists discover previously unknown life forms trapped in amber, which is incredibly exciting.
The most thrilling discovery to date is likely the feathers of a theropod dinosaur trapped in an 80-million-year-old piece of amber found in Alberta, Canada.
Contrary to what the Jurassic Park movies suggest, extracting DNA from fossils trapped inside amber has proven unsuccessful due to DNA’s half-life of 521 years. This means DNA begins to decompose after this period, and by 1,042 years, the nucleotide bonds are completely gone.
Amber’s age, usually ten times older than DNA’s half-life, leaves little room for DNA extraction (unfortunately).
Amber Symbolism
Amber holds significant cultural symbolism. Throughout history, ancient cultures have attributed various meanings to this gem, making it revered worldwide.
Between 800 and 1,000 AD, Scandinavian Vikings carved amber into animal shapes, each representing the strengths of that animal species. They adorned weaponry and armor with carved amber bears and carried personal totems of animals embodying their needed strengths.
In Ancient Rome and Greece, women wore amber totems symbolizing fertility, often representing frogs, fish, and rabbits.
In ancient Chinese culture, tigers were venerated as the most powerful creatures, dubbed the “King of the Mountain.” They believed tiger souls transformed into amber after death, enhancing the gem’s revered status.
Amber Properties
Beyond its ancient meaning, amber is renowned for numerous positive and healthful properties.
Ancient cultures, particularly the Chinese, carried amber during long journeys. It was believed to offer protective energies guarding against disease and calamity, even jaundice.
Amber’s physical benefits include headache relief and hormonal balance, which also stabilize emotions and boost mood.
Mentally, amber helps eliminate fearful thoughts and enhances confidence for tackling major projects and anxious thoughts. It also clears the mind of worry and aids focus.
New age beliefs highlight amber’s ability to attract good luck and positive energy while repelling negative forces. It’s said to expedite the development of wisdom and patience, making it highly coveted. Try wearing a pair of amber earrings to explore these spiritual properties.
Dubbed the “sun stone,” amber represents Cancer, an astrological sign occurring during summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, attributed to its bright yellow and orange hues symbolizing the sun.
The Magic of Amber
Amber is also intertwined with magical properties. Its strong capabilities for attraction and repulsion of certain energies have made it a favored gem among magic practitioners for centuries. Historically, only those with power or high societal status could wear amber.
An instance of this esteemed possession is found in The Odyssey, the epic poem by Homer from the 8th century BC. Penelope, a character in the poem, attracts suitors with extravagant gifts, including Eurymachus, who presents an amber necklace. Homer writes: “Eurymachus received a golden necklace, richly wrought, and set with amber beads, that glowed as if with sunshine.”
This mention of amber reflects its historical value and longevity. Wearing an amber necklace connects you to a tradition that even figures like Cleopatra and Penelope followed.
The word “electricity” is derived from the Greek word “elektron,” meaning amber. Amber possesses frictional electricity properties, which likely contributed to its magical associations. To test this, rub a piece of amber against silk or wool, and it will become electrically charged.
Chinese cosmology also recognizes amber’s electric properties, categorizing it as the fifth element, metal, an electricity conductor. Similarly, Akashic belief regards amber as the fifth element due to its ability to hold an electrical charge.
The Power of Amber Jewelry
To harness the powerful effects of amber on your mind, body, and soul, ensure you purchase genuine amber for your next necklace or pair of earrings. There’s an abundance of synthetic amber in the market, so buy from reputable jewelers!
Have inquiries about amber symbolism or the benefits of another stone? Get in touch! We love discussing jewelry!
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