When it comes to amber, we present honey or cognac translucent stone. Not everyone knows that about 250 shades of amber are found in nature. There are very rare nuggets: blue, red, green. Royal amber is a sub-species of white, but with an exquisite ivory hue.
Of all existing types, this stone is the rarest. Its high cost is due to small production - just over 2% of the total mass.
Characteristics of the mineral
Noble brother of cognac or honey amber familiar to us is never translucent or transparent. It has a dense white or bone color with blue, yellow, black and blue inclusions. A rare stone occupies the first position in the classification of fossil resins and belongs to jewelry.
Royal amber, the photo of which is quite rare even on the pages of special editions, only visually seems so. In fact, it is yellow, but during the formation it is filled with microscopic particles of moisture and air. Mineral Huedepends on the percentage of these components. The more air and moisture in its composition, the lighter the stone, has a more matte structure.
The natural mineral of stunning beauty is very popular among jewelers around the world and has the glory of a magical amulet. In our opinion, the magical properties of the stone depend more on self-hypnosis, but the healing properties are really inherent in white amber.
Description of the stone
Amber white, royal, bone, milky, ivory, landscape…. This species has many names. Its white color is due to its pelimorphic calcite, although it may have other inclusions ranging from yellow to black.
Experts refer royal amber to succinites. Gemologists distinguish two varieties of it.
Knoken
The opacity and color of this mineral are explained, in addition to the presence of calcite, by a large number of micro-bubbles. There are up to a million of them per square centimeter. Compare: there are no more than six thousand bubbles in honey-colored stones. Due to the fact that half of the volume in knoken is occupied by gases and air, it is much lighter than ordinary amber. However, do not think that you will be able to notice this by holding the jewelry in your hand - the weight can only be determined on the scales by comparing stones of the same size.
Today this mineral is highly valued. But it was not always so. It was used in ancient Rome for divination, as well as for medicinal purposes: the stone emits a pleasant aroma when burned, which,as the healers believed, it has a beneficial effect on he alth. In the East, white amber was valued more than minerals of traditional shades. For one large stone, they gave several dozen daggers.
Milky
White matte mineral with honey or colored veins. Even in ancient times, it was used to create paintings, thanks to which it received one of its names - "landscape".
Where is white amber mined?
Nuggets began to be mined in ancient times. Even then, their uniqueness and value were known. The highest quality and largest gems are found in the deposits of the B altic. They produce over 80% of the total amount of royal amber. The world's largest cut is located in Kaliningrad. This mineral is mined in an open way, not by extracting it from the mine, but by washing it in water. Sometimes there are very large specimens that have no analogues in the world.
There are smaller deposits in Poland, but no development is being carried out there, since the deposits are at great depth, and their development requires large material investments.
After researching the mineral, scientists proved that the treatment with amber, practiced by traditional healers, has a scientific basis. The gem contains a lot of succinic acid. It is a biostimulant that has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and thyroid gland. In case of stress and outbursts of rage, amber calms the nerves, which in this case is recommended to be worn in the form of bracelets on the hands or beads around the neck.
Stoneprotects the he alth of the mother and the unborn baby, so it is recommended to wear it during pregnancy. White amber protects from damage and the evil eye, fills with vitality and energy.
Healing properties of royal amber
The rich mineral composition of this gem was of interest to ancient scientists. For medicinal purposes, it was first used by Hippocrates in the 3rd century BC. The healers of that time were sure that a rare mineral is able to cope with almost any ailment, and it was used very widely in healing. It has been scientifically proven that the bioactive substances that make up the mineral have a beneficial effect on the body. The main healing properties of the stone include:
- ability to absorb neoplasms;
- slow down the process of formation of pathological cells;
- have an anti-inflammatory effect;
- bactericidal and antitoxic property.
Means based on white amber are used to treat diseases of the bronchi, joints, liver cirrhosis, varicose veins, pyelonephritis and others. It is used to neutralize poisons, relieve poisoning, strengthen the nervous system and relieve stress. Necklaces and beads made of royal amber normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland.
As a powerful natural antiseptic, royal amber prevents the development of acne, relieves redness and irritation. When used in cosmetic procedures and special products, it has a rejuvenating effect.action, smoothes wrinkles, improves muscle and skin tone.
Magical Properties
Milky amber in spiritual practices is recommended to be kept in the house to improve the aura, create coziness and a comfortable atmosphere. They say that if you wear a stone on the body, it contributes to a surge of vigor and strength and improves he alth, gives the owner financial well-being.
Using white amber
The range of use of white amber is much wider than the stones of our usual colors. Not only jewelry is made from it, but also various crafts, figurines, chess, chandeliers, watches. Small nuggets are used in the manufacture of panels and paintings. Icon frames are made of knoken.
Royal amber in silver looks respectable and harmonious. Look at the photo. Probably every woman would like to have such an ornament. With its constant wearing, you can improve the state of the nervous system and get rid of bouts of rage and stress.
The beauty of jewelry depends on two factors: the natural properties of the mineral and the professionalism of the craftsman. This stone is difficult to process - it is quite strong, but chips are the greatest danger for beginners. Only the highest-class jeweler can create stunning jewelry, figurines and paintings from it, while preserving the natural beauty of the mineral.
Unlike other types of amber, white is used for processing scabbards, making salaries for icons. Figurines from it and amulets look very beautiful. Experiencedcraftsmen skillfully use the features of the stone in textured jewelry.
Prices for white amber
The cost of nuggets and jewelry from this stone depends on the size of the stone, its transparency and purity, the presence of inclusions. Very large specimens are exhibited in museums, and smaller nuggets are used in jewelry art. The cost of one gram of royal amber can reach up to $100. A medium-sized nugget costs at least $100. e., and larger minerals are estimated at hundreds of conventional units. Beads made of royal amber are sometimes offered at auctions, and their value reaches 1.5 thousand dollars.
White amber is an amazingly beautiful and rare stone. Many ladies would like to become the owner of such a luxurious jewelry, but due to its high price, not everyone can fulfill their dream.