How Is Baltic Amber Made?
Baltic Amber, also known as the “gold of the north,” is a fossilized resin produced by Pine trees in Northern Europe around the Baltic Sea over 45 million years ago. Scientists believe that as the regional climate got warmer, Pine trees began to leak vast amounts of resin. Tree resin is not the same as tree sap.
Tree Resin vs. Tree Sap
Tree sap: A thin, watery substance produced by all trees, that carries minerals and nutrients through the tree like a human’s bloodstream. Tree sap from Maple trees is collected and sold as the Maple syrup you use to sweeten foods and dress up your pancakes.
Tree resin: A thick, tacky substance that consists of compounds that are deposited into or secreted by the tree. Only trees in the Pinaceae family-like Pines, Fir, and Cedar trees produce resin. Scientists disagree on the function of resin. Some scientists believe resin to be a waste product, others believe it is a means of protection against disease and insects.
The amount of resin produced by the Pine trees in this area was so substantial that it leaked to the forest floor where it became buried and incorporated into the sediment. Through the magic of science, the perfect conditions were met for the fossilization process to occur over millions of years and create the beautiful Baltic Amber we have now.
A significant amount of Baltic Amber covered the Baltic Sea floor and began to wash ashore leading to all sorts of legends about its origins. The earliest humans discovered and revered Baltic Amber, and immediately recognized its healing potential. People began fashioning the Baltic Amber into jewelry, and have done so ever since.
We do not have a limitless supply of Baltic Amber, it will eventually run out, so it is a rare and valuable substance!
How Does Baltic Amber Heal?
Baltic Amber contains three to eight percent succinic acid located in the outermost layer of the fossil. Succinic acid is present in the human body and assists in many chemical processes. We produce roughly 200 grams of succinic acid per day, and even more in times of stress.
Succinic acid supplements are applied topically to treat conditions like menopause and arthritis. Baltic Amber jewelry can treat these conditions, and more.
When you wear Baltic Amber jewelry, the Baltic Amber gradually rises to meet your body temperature. As the temperature rises, the Baltic Amber releases succinic acid that is absorbed by your skin and enters the bloodstream. Succinic acid relieves pain and swelling and provides a calming effect.
Is Baltic Amber a Mineral?
No, Baltic Amber is a unique gemstone because it is not a mineral. Minerals are inorganic, naturally occurring solids with definite chemical composition and atomic arrangement. Like coral and pearls, Baltic Amber does not have an organized crystal structure and therefore, cannot be called a mineral. They are instead members of the organic gemstone family.
Like minerals, however, each piece of Baltic Amber is unique in its physical properties, and some pieces contain fossilized insects. Scientists have been able to identify over 3,000 species of plants and organisms from 45 million years ago.
Baltic Amber Jewelry
Aside from the beauty of Baltic Amber, the healing properties become harnessed and put to work when we create pieces of Baltic Amber jewelry. You can find Baltic Amber jewelry of any kind, including:
- Baltic Amber Rings
- Baltic Amber Pendant
- Baltic Amber Bracelets
- Baltic Amber Earrings
- Baltic Amber Necklaces
Practical Uses for Baltic Amber Jewelry
The healing power of Baltic Amber jewelry can be used in many practical ways.
- Like most minerals and gemstones, Baltic Amber makes a thoughtful gift for your loved one, whether they are struggling with body aches and pain, or they would look stunning with a string of Baltic Amber beads around their neck.
- Recently, Baltic Amber teething necklaces have become as popular as mineral sunscreens and other natural ways to protect babies. Mothers swear by the relief their teething babies feel when the Baltic Amber warms on their skin and releases its succinic acid.
- If you struggle with carpal tunnel or arthritis in your wrists and hands, a Baltic Amber bracelet provides direct topical relief. If you have issues with your back, a string of Baltic Amber on a necklace can help.
- For those that believe in the healing power of crystals, minerals, and other organic gemstones, Baltic Amber is an excellent addition to your collection. All minerals and gemstones have unique healing properties, and many people believe Baltic Amber to:
- Absorb physical and emotional pain and negative energy
- Calm your stress
- Fight depression
- Promote confidence in yourself
- Encourage creativity, and
- Restore balance
How to Tell if Your Baltic Amber is Genuine
An unfortunate fact is that there are plenty of pieces of artificial Baltic Amber deceptively marketed as the real thing. While these fakes look indistinguishable, they will not give you the added benefit of the healing properties.
Fake Baltic Amber is usually either plastic or Copal. Copal is a “young” amber from 50 years to 1.6 million years ago. Copal is typically from Columbia, and while it does have some of the same properties, it is not as rare or valuable as Baltic Amber.
You can be sure that your Baltic Amber is genuine by performing a few of these fun, damage-free tests.
- UV Light - When placed under ultraviolet light, real Baltic Amber glows a vibrant royal blue color. Plastic and Copal will not do the same.
- Scent - When burnt, Baltic Amber smells divine. You can mimic these effects by warming your Baltic Amber jewelry through rubbing it vigorously on carpet. If you can smell a subtle pine smell, you know you’ve got the real thing.
- Warmth - Genuine Baltic Amber is a poor conductor of heat, so it will feel warm to the touch. Plastic will feel cool.
Whaler’s Locker offers a wide selection of healing minerals and crystals, and beautiful Baltic Amber jewelry for all intents and purposes. We guarantee the authenticity of our products and promise to deliver our products exactly as described.