Amber Meaning, Properties, and Uses

ˈam-bər

Amber: Stone of Universal Manifestation

Amber is often called the Stone of Liquid Sunshine…yellow for the midday sun and orange, for the fiery sunsets; it was at one point in a more liquid state prior to solidifying into the gem we now know. History tells us that it was one of the very first stones or substances to be used for adornment. Specimens of such adornment date back to 8000 B.C.E.

Amber also holds its own electric charge, it is interesting that the word “electricity” was said to be derived from the Greek word “electron” which, of course, means amber.

The two main sources of amber on the market today are the Baltic states and the Dominican Republic. Amber from the Baltic states is older, and therefore preferred on the market, but amber from the Dominican Republic is more likely to have insect or plant inclusions; which to some make them more appealing specimens.

In general, the sunny energy is used to transmute negative energy, to cheer one up and help open one up to a personal divine blueprint. It is said to help draw sickness from the body and negativity from the emotional energy. For this reason, some say amber is told to bring good luck.

What is considered an Organic Gem?

While many minerals are considered gemstones, there are also a number of materials that have been infused, infilled or partially replaced by organic materials; as well as natural organisms that have been mineralized then used and considered valuable ‘gems’ throughout all our time.

Organic materials considered gemstones include but are not limited to: Amber, Bone, Coral, Ivory, Pearls, Mother of Pearl, Abalone as well as meteorites such as Moldavite

Organic materials that have been mineralized to gemstones include: Dino Bone (Gem Bone, Gembone) Petrified Wood, Fossils such as Ammolilte and Ammonite; during the mineral infilling the organic structure is preserved therefore it remains an organic material, and thus an Organic Gem.

 

What is Amber?

Amber is the fossilized resin of ancient trees, just as coral is the limestone of ancient reefs and diamonds are the crystallized carbon of long-buried mountains. The difference is that amber contains what scientists call a record of life: insects, leaves, perhaps even dinosaurs, all trapped in time. This means that amber not only reflects nature but also captures it.  When we look at amber, we can imagine an entire world frozen in time. We can conjure up the smell of a forest long ago, or try to see what it was like when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. We can try to imagine how an insect lived its life, and we can marvel at how many millions of years must have passed for it to become trapped in this strange substance.

This kind of magic doesn't happen by accident. Amber forms when resin leaks from certain kinds of trees and solidifies after coming into contact with sediments like pollen, dust, or soil particles. That's why amber has so many colors—from yellow to red to brown to black—and why it's so incredibly beautiful.

Scientists think that when amber forms, it traps tiny pieces of DNA and other organic material that might help them learn more about life on Earth millions of years ago.

Why is Amber so Special?

Amber is also used to help open up one's third eye, which can help lead one to enlightenment and balance with the universe. It is said to clear the mind and senses, promote creativity, and protect against negative energy.

Amber is special because it can often contain insect or plant fossils from millions of years ago. Baltic Amber jewelry is a centuries-old tradition in many parts of the world. Pieces of genuine Baltic Amber are now easy to buy and have a number of benefits for both personal healing and financial manifestation.

The Greeks believed amber was created by the sun when it touched the earth and hardened on tree branches. It was sacred to the Greek god Apollo and came from his rays. The sun was also thought to be within amber, and so it was widely used as an amulet for protection against evil spirits. In Ancient Rome, amber was also used for protection against illness or injury. Historically, amber has been used in many cultures as a healing aid in folk medicine, because of its alleged ability to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and kill bacteria. Some attribute its medicinal property to its smell, others to its electrical charge (amber is one of the few gemstones with visible electrical charge).

How Are Amber Stones Formed?

Amber crystals form through the fossilization of tree resin. The process is a long one, as you might imagine. It starts with a tree releasing resin from its bark. Said resin hardens into a sticky substance that becomes part of the tree's outer layer. Over time, other materials may mix in with the resin—such as dirt or leaves—and animal and plant remains may become trapped in it (a process called "inclusion"). The result is a hard substance that looks very much like amber (though it isn't true amber) called copal. Copal eventually gets buried under layers of soil and sediment, which press down onto it over thousands and thousands of years, forming amber.

Where Is Amber Found?

Amber can be found all over the world, but most notably in the Dominican Republic, Europe's Baltic region, and Myanmar (Burma). Amber is the fossilized resin of coniferous trees that grew in what are now tropical regions. These trees, called Pinus succinifera, grew for millions of years and were quite common.

What are the Scientific Properties of Amber?

Mohs Hardness of 2.5 with a amorphous crystal structure.

Amber is not actually a stone, but the fossilized resin (sap) of extinct coniferous (cone bearing) trees. Most of all amber is golden yellow to golden orange, but there have been specimens discovered in green, red, violet and black as well. An “Ambroid” is a material/stone formed by heating and pressing together several smaller pieces of amber to create a mass large enough to be useful.

Almost always transparent, but at minimum translucent Amber is often found in smaller, irregularly shaped nodules or masses; and can contain small insects or plant specimens that had been trapped millions of years ago while the resin was still in a sticky state.  When found ‘cloudy’ it is usually due to air being trapped in much the same manner in which the insects were, but are often heated in oil which is known to clear up the cloudiness.

Amber is one of the few “stones” that can be charged with electricity. When rubbed, amber produces a negative electrical charge – such as that which attracts dust.  True Amber will float when placed in a solution saturated with salt; imitation amber will sink to the bottom.

The world of gemologists divide amber into specific groups, which include:

• Succinite (Baltic Amber)
• Burmite (Burmese Amber)
• Simetite (Sicilian Amber)
• Rumanite (Rumanian Amber)

The last three are the rarer forms and sources of this golden substance.

What Are the Metaphysical Properties of Amber?

Amber, unlike other gemstones, is warm to the touch and often contains insect fragments therefore, it has always been thought to possess life. It is known to be absolutely sacred to worshipers of the Mother Goddess, as it was believed to contain the very essence of life itself – the animating principle.  Also known to be related to Akash, or the “Fifth Element” which is the essence of that which binds and governs all other elements (earth, air, fire, water) and the ultimate source of said elements. Symbolic of life and all living things (plants, animals and humans alike) Akasha is related to Amber.

Yellow/Gold/Orange Amber is said to enhance the beauty of the bearer; said to tap into the power of the sun, it also carries a negative electrical charge and is wonderful to draw power and energy into the bearer as well. Amber is said to assist in manifesting one’s desires and heighten intellectual abilities; clarity of thought and higher wisdom.

It is known to bring the energies of balance, purification, protection, psychic shielding, healing, calmness, patience, romantic love and sensuality. It is also known to be a wonderful good luck charm for marriages.  Amber is good for abundance, healing, success, vitality and joy.

All of these wonderful properties and associations make amber one of the most widely used and prized magical as well as holistic medical substances of all times and places on Earth.

 

Amber Crystal Meaning & Properties

The word "Amber" comes from the Old French word "Ambre," which means "resin from trees." Amber is fossilized tree resin, typically from Pinus succinifera or Picea obovata.

The name "Amber" was first used by the Romans about 2000 years ago. It was originally used as a perfume ingredient and for jewelry, but many cultures valued it for its healing properties. Ancient Egyptians are believed to have used Amber to cure fevers and calm stomach pains. The ancient Greeks wore it to ease pain of headaches and eye infections. In the Middle Ages, people believed it could be used to treat tuberculosis and epilepsy.

It is considered one of the oldest gemstones that has been used for centuries as a healing tool and spiritual object. Many cultures believe Amber brings happiness, love, luck, good health, & protection against evil spirits.

 

Amber Chakra Healing and Balancing Energy

Amber is a natural stone known for its ability to absorb negative energy. This stone is primarily used for healing and balancing energy. When used for balancing Chakras, a person can use the amber stone to link with the chakra of choice. Most often, this stone is placed directly on your body, over the chakra while you meditate. You can also carry it close to you throughout the day.

Amber usually comes in two colors: yellow and orange. However, natural amber stones may also be red, green, or white. To use the power of amber in healing and balancing energy, place a piece of the stone (or a pendant with amber inside) on your body over your "unbalanced" chakra for about 15 minutes a day for at least three weeks.

The typical warning with using amber as a healing tool is that it does "kick start" whatever issue you are addressing by bringing it to the surface before allowing it to be healed and balanced. If you are ready to let go of an issue that has been holding you back from moving forward in life, however, then this stone may be right for you!

Amber Spiritual Energy

Have you ever felt a strange, spiritual energy in the air?

This energy has been called by many names: chi, prana, kundalini, and many other names that are used by cultures all around the world. Some people feel this energy more acutely than others. But it's real—and it's out there.

Amber is an amazing substance that helps you harness this energy so you can use it to live your best life. Amber is formed when ancient trees are trapped underground for millions of years, and as they slowly decay, they release this powerful energy into the earth around them. Once uncovered by miners and extracted from the Earth, the energy is stored in amber. Once it is removed from the amber and placed in jewelry or other objects, it can be used to amplify subtle energies around us—like those produced by spiritually gifted people or those who've been through a traumatic experience but have healed well enough to share their story with others.

The best way to use Amber Spiritual Energy is to wear an Amber necklace or carry an Amber stone with you throughout your day. It will help you find purpose in what you do, as well as helping you remember positive memories of your past so that you're able to move forward toward your brightest future!

Amber Color Energy

Below is a summary of Amber's Color Energy:

Red: groundedness, creativity, passion, physical strength

Orange: joy and expansion of the heart, letting go of what no longer serves you

Yellow: motivation, assertiveness, clarity of purpose

Green: healing, peace and harmony with nature

What are the Metaphysical Healing Properties of Amber from Ancient Lore?

Amber was known as a powerful cleanser and healer that it told to draw disease from the body as well as promoting the revitalization of tissues.  A stone dedicated to connecting the universal perfection with one’s conscious self.  It drew out negativity by cleansing the environment, and relieved physical pain at the same time.  It was thought to stimulate the body’s own self healing abilities; and if you were a healer, it would protect you from absorbing negative energies.

An incredibly strong protector it has been used for over 7,000 years to stimulate the metabolism, treat skin ailments caused by metabolic imbalances, treat asthma and most allergic respiratory issues. Generally, wearing a necklace crafted of Amber as believed the most effective assistance with these ailments.  It acted in a way to purify one’s body and spirit when it is used as an elixir, carried, or worn.

Amber radiates with the throat, alleviating stress and treating throat issues.  Psychologically, Amber not only brings stimulation to the intellect, clearing depression, and bringing a positive emotional state and creative expression, it also motivates by linking what one may wish for together with the drive and encouragement to accomplish it.

What Are the Magical Properties of Amber?

Energy: Projective
Element: Fire, Akasha
Powers: Beauty, Harmonizing, Healing, Protection, Soothing, Strength, Love, Luck
Planet: Sun 
Deities: The Great Mother & Freyja
Candle Color: Gold

One of the few substances to be beneficial to almost every aspect of magic. Soothing the nerves as well as the spirit, and imparting the sense of protection, Amber is a powerful stone form manifestation. Placed on the altar or other magical work space it will bring strength to all magical spell-working and bring prosperity to every magical act.  It is also a powerful protector against negative magic, black sorcery and bad luck. In ancient times Amber was burned as an incense to fumigate and clear the environment of negativity.

Specific uses by color:

• Ambroid (amber pressed into forms) dark red gold: calms fears and helps one keep an intellectual outlook.
• Clear, dark red: will contain or destroy negative emotions; calms the spirit.
• Clear golden brown: sharp intellectual focus; clears metal confusion; balances the 6th or Third Eye/Brow Chakra.
• Milky golden: same as clear, but with much more inspirational energy.
• Sea Amber (or burnite, solid, dark golden brown): helps one stay neutral and realistic in difficult situations, balances the 5th or Throat Chakra.

Negative energy may make amber cloudy, and warmer than usual.  Amber should be cleansed under warm water whenever you notice that it warms slightly when you hear or hold it, or if it becomes cloudy. Amber should not be left in the direct sunlight as it may dry it out or become brittle and easily fractured.

What are the Zodiac/Astrological Properties of Amber?

Zodiac Stone of: Leo

Associations: Sun

Birthstone: Not a Traditional Birthstone for any Month

Astrology tells us that Amber may attract love and attention, due to the powers that Venus presents, as well as powers of Sun; but Amber is most suitable for Leos. It brings the energy, physical health and sexuality for the this strong sign.

It is told that in ancient Rome some would carry small Amber baubles to rub together to enhance not just physical power, but sexual prowess as well.

What are the Chakra Healing Properties of Amber?

Amber is said to be quite a powerful chakra cleanser and healer as well. Physically it brings vitality and spiritually it absorbs pain and negative energy, allowing the body to re-balance and heal. It shall stimulate the navel chakra and in turn help with grounding energies within the body.

Healing, soothing and harmonizing, Amber helps to stabilize the Kundalini and moves the intellect into more harmonizing spiritual paths.  It is excellent tool for inner child, and past life work as it is associated with the 3rd, Solar Plexus Chakra and often the 2nd, Sacral/Navel Chakra. Although if one is fortunate enough to have several colors of Amber, using the colors on the appropriate chakras will facilitate opening and cleansing of the entire chakra system, which in turn helps open the Kundalini energies.