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Pine resinAmber


Amber is the ancient resin of pine trees which has gone through a number of changes over millions of years. The result is an exceptional gem with extraordinary properties. Like diamonds, true amber takes millions of years to be created. The stone in your amber ring, bracelet or komboloi beads may be 20 million years old or more!

The creation of amber is actually the result of the trees' defense system. It is thought that the resin was exuded from the trees as a reaction to attack from external forces, i.e. insects, to prevent further intrusion and to repair and reinforce the damage done.

Amber lumbSince amber is a light and fragile material, it is easily crumbled when used for the construction of worry beads. The above issue and the high price of amber led an Egyptian, called Faturan, to invent a mixture of natural amber powder, resins and incense. The material was named "Faturan amber". This material is still widely used in the manufacture of worry beads. It is more durable for playing, it creates a beautiful liquid sound and is four times cheaper than amber.

Amber is so valuable because current day forests of spruce and pine produce small quantities of resin, none of which is likely to lead to fossilized amber. Their form of resin degrades and breaks down into other compounds before becoming copal or amber. Jet, also called black amber, is an organic gem, resembling amber in many ways.


Amber properties

AmberIts color, warmth and electric properties have earned amber a reputation as a protective, magical substance. It is claimed that it can help those who suffer from throat infections, bronchial and intestinal disorders, asthma, convulsions, rheumatism, earache, bladder trouble, nerves or bone-marrow deficiencies. Calming, it can absorb negative energy and help the body to heal itself. It still is used for making and breaking spells and it helps with depression and suicidal tendencies. Not surprisingly then, for thousands of years, it has been burned as incense during spiritual or religious events. When burned, amber releases a fragrant pine scent.

Due to its organic nature, the color of amber often varies depending on the types of foreign matter engulfed by the sap after secretion from the plant. The color of amber ranges from the yellow and golden honey tones we are familiar with, to reds, blues and green, as well as some opaque colors. Burmese amber, deep red, is the rarest and most valuable amber known. Amber can be stained to enhance or change its color, particularly from yellow brown to red, and also to green.

Amber beads Amber is very lightweight. Greeks called it electron, meaning electric, because of its tendency to create sparks and attract a piece of paper (through static electricity) when rubbed against fabric. Real amber floats in salt water (about 2.5 tablespoons per 1 cup water) or cola, plastic and bakelite will sink. True amber will release an aromatic pine scent when pricked with a heated needle, plastic will stink. True amber is soft and warm to the touch whereas plastic is hard and cold.

Amber is not harmed by solvents. Take a few drops of fingernail polish remover or alcohol and drip it over the surface of your piece. If the surface becomes tacky or the fluid takes on the honey golden color of the substance, you can bet it's not amber.

 

 
  AGORA - AIG INTERNET SHOP
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    Amber properties
    Gemstone properties
    Organic properties
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   KOMBOLOI UP TO 10.00 €
   KOMBOLOI 10.00 - 25.00 €
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   KOMBOLOI OVER 50.00 €
   ORDERING INFORMATION
   WHY BUY KOMBOLOI?
   KOMBOLOI VARIETIES
   DESIGN STUDIO IN GREECE

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