Amber is one of the oldest gemstones.It is mentioned in the works of ancient scholars Plato and Aristotle.The ancient Greeks believed that the stones - amber - it's frozen tears, weep for the dead Phaeton.Today, its origin is not considered a secret, long been established that he is a hardened resin of coniferous trees of prehistoric times.Age mineral millions of years, for example, the Baltic - is relatively young, it is 35 million years old, and there are more ancient rocks formed more than 100 million years ago.
Jewelry
Nowadays, on the shelves of even large assortment of jewelry stores jewelry made from this wonderful stone is not so rich.Basically it is a necklace, earrings and a necklace of amber.And until recently it was very popular in jewelry.This is due to the combination of the stone of such remarkable qualities as a relatively small hardness and good polishing.Easy handling and extremely rich colors have always been attracted to the mineral carvers.Because it made caskets, cigarette holders, and even the dishes.Today, it is the power of the little masters, who gave him the life.
popularity is counterfeit
stones (amber) are often counterfeited, today it is not so hard to do - its imitation plastic is difficult to distinguish from the original.Color variations of the mineral have a lot - from yellow Baltic to Cherry Oloroso mined in Burma.Because of this set it is not always possible naturalness.Check for the presence of the old static electricity by rubbing is useless: many modern plastics constitute it, too.Experts suggest, on what grounds it is still possible to distinguish natural amber:
- insects caught in the natural pattern of the wings are disclosed;
- air bubbles in it round.
Color may vary
There are about 350 mineral colors, from white to dark red, almost black.Gemstones (Amber) can change the color, it is noticed by the ancient Romans.Vyvarivaya it in honey, they gave him the red.There were other ways to change the color of the stone.In amber highly variable degree of transparency.His samples with air bubbles or water droplets are called bastards, and not valued very highly.The most famous and most widely considered amber from the Baltic States, called succinite.Quite an original look and its other varieties:
- gedanit - a wax-yellow color;
- Gless - opaque, brown;
- stantienit - black and very fragile;
- bokkerit - elastic, dark in color.
Medicinal properties
has long been noted that the stones (amber) can be used in the treatment of certain human diseases.About this in his writings wrote Pliny and Galen.The book of medieval scholar A. Aurifabera described 46 prescriptions of its application.It is believed that the mineral removes dental pain, headache, helps to tackle blood pressure.It is argued that amber can improve vision and positive impact on the heart.From ancient times, the stone was considered a panacea for all ills.Today, amber, properties of which continue to be studied, also found its place in modern medicine.There is even a new treatment - amber therapy.
