Amber
100% Columbian Amber
*Baltic Amber will be indicated*
Amber is also called Succinite

Amber

Amber is the fossilized, hardened resin of the pine tree, Pinus succinifera, formed mainly in the Eocene epoch of the Tertiary period, about 50 million years ago; found mostly in the Baltic, although younger ambers are known from the Dominican Republic.  Mostly amber is drop or nodular shaped with a homogeneous structure, or has a shell-like formation, often with a weathered crust.  Pieces weighing over 22 lbs have been found.  Yellow and brown are predominant colors.  There are occasional inclusions of insects or parts of plants and of pyrites.

Amber is sensitive to acids, caustic solutions, and gasoline, as well as alcohol and perfume.  Can be ignited by a match, smelling like incense.  When rubbed with a cloth, amber becomes electronically charged and can attract small particles.  It has a vitreous luster; when it is polished, a resinous luster.

Amber has been used since prehistoric times for jewelry and religious objects, accessories for smokers, also as amulets and mascots.  Much of the Baltic amber, the "gold of the North," is used today for ornamental objects, ring stones, pendants, brooches, necklaces, and bracelets.
Gemstones of the World by Walter Schumann

Amber, or fossil tree sap, was made famous in the movie "Jurassic Park". Amber is a beautiful stone that is cut and polished and used as a valuable gemstone. It is also a fossil and can contain many preserved insects and other animals and plants that are tens of millions of years old. The odd inclusions that are often seen in amber usually add to amber's unique look and in many cases greatly increase its value.