LOCALE — The Baltic Sea

ABOUT AMBER

Amber is a fascinating substance with a rich geological story, many historical associations, and perceived healing abilities.

Amber is not a crystal because it doesn’t possess a perfect molecular structure; it is actually fossilized natural botanic resins formed from coniferous trees. Resin is believed to have dropped to the forest floor, become embedded into the local sediments, and be compressed by overlying deposits. Over millions of years, a chemical substance known as terpenes, which is found naturally in the resin, breaks down and escapes from the resin, forming amber. Amber often contains fossilized matter that has been frozen in time. Some pieces have been found to contain strands of DNA with fossilized insect and plant materials suspended inside. Over 200 plant species have been identified through amber analysis. However, the ability to create dinosaurs from amber inclusions that contain their DNA has yet to happen (for anyone like me who immediately associates amber with the film “Jurassic Park”).

The Baltic Region is considered to be the largest deposit of amber in the world, producing some of the most celebrated specimens of this material. Pieces from this area are approximately 30-60 million years old. Perhaps what is even crazier about Baltic Amber is that even though it is essentially fossilized pine tree sap, it comes out of the ocean.

Even though amber is not a crystal, it is still an organic material that can be incorporated into healing work. Amber has long been revered by ancient cultures (including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans) for its healing properties, as well as its ability to convey deep wisdom. Amber has unique electrical properties. When friction is applied, amber becomes negatively charged and attracts lightweight particles such as pieces of straw, fluff, or dried leaves. Its ability to produce static electricity has fascinated observers from the earliest times. Amber’s magnetic property gave rise to the word electricity: amber (Greek, elektron) was used in the earliest experiments on electricity. Amber’s natural properties inspired myth and legend and dictated its usage. I took this excerpt from this excellent publication on amber by the Getty Museum.

While amber doesn’t emit strong healing energy, because it does possess these unique electrical abilities, It is believed to have the power to absorb negative energy from physically imbalanced areas*.

*This is not to say that this is a guarantee or solution for physical issues. This information is for educational purposes only.

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“The Ancient Healer”

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ENERGY: Warm, Detoxifying, Cleansing, Purifying, Revitalizing

FOCUS: Draws out negative energy from the body, enabling physical healing / Acts as a reminder of the knowledge of the ancient past

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DETAILS

S — 0.9” x 0.8” x 0.6”
W — 1.8 grams