Green amber is a rare fossilized resin, a miracle of nature

Where does green amber come from?

In order for green amber to appear, special conditions were required:

• warm humid climate;
• coniferous forests or local exotic tree species;
• swampy soil.

Decaying leaves, grass, and other soil organic matter surrounded the resin fragments for millions of years. The result was a homogeneous formation: green resin. Some remained in place, others were washed away by streams of water.

Green amber with insects

And then local conditions played a role, creating different types of amber.

Baltic, Northern Europe

Some of the young amber fell into swamps saturated with decaying organic matter. In the pre-glacial period, the process of natural nitriding began - the interaction of coniferous resins with nitrogen-containing structures. As a result, the initially raw honey from the North of Europe acquired the gamut of greenish, withered grass.

Transparent golden-green beautiful ambers were found in brown coal deposits in German Saxony.

Sicily

The mild climate of the island has produced a scattering of rare varieties of stone. Most of the amber mined is red. There are specimens with obvious bluish tint. “Emeralds” – ambers of rich green shades – are very rare.

Dominican Republic

Geology, climate, biological features (trees of the legume family) made the fossilized resin look like sea water. But the most beautiful and expensive ones are not blue ambers, but green ones with a barely visible blue tint.

Green Dominican amber

Inclusion is not uncommon in these stones. They copy marine attributes: sand deposits, underwater flora and fauna.

Four-fifths of the world's amber is mined in the Baltic. But the most beautiful and expensive is the national treasure of the Dominican Republic, an island state in the Caribbean.

Mineral deposits

Green amber can only be found in certain parts of the world where it is mined. These include:

1. Sicily - the bulk of amber is red, bluish, green gems are very rare.
2. Northern Europe – the color of the stones is comparable to withered grass.
3. The Dominican Republic is the main deposit of bright green amber. Often it contains traces of the ancient sea in the form of sand, crustaceans, algae, and other flora and fauna.

How and where is amber mined?

The mineral almost always accumulates layered in clay, shales, and sandstones at a depth of 55–110 meters. Experts call the amber-bearing layer “blue earth.”

Green mineral

Extraction is carried out by hydraulic fracturing. That is, they use a directed stream of water under pressure. First, the accompanying rock is washed off, after which the amber areas are softened. Containers with liquid substances from “empty” and amber are delivered to the processing plant.

The main suppliers of green amber are the Baltic countries, Dominican Republic, and Italy.

Magic properties

Green amber has always been a symbol of beauty, harmony and justice. For this reason, its influence on the psyche is closely related to these moments.

Like the honey version, one of the main magical properties of green amber is to help with depression, anger, heal mental trauma and fight guilt, therefore it symbolizes hope and development - a look into the future.

The sense of justice is also strengthened by the stone, making the owner more honest with himself and others.

This mineral will help create balance between the mind and body, which indicates harmony.

Green amber stone promotes better understanding and current love situation. That is, awareness of where it is better to show determination and when, on the contrary, to retreat if the situation requires it. It promotes the establishment of strong contact, tolerance and calm in a couple.

Throughout history, people have attributed green amber's ability to attract wealth, success and longevity. The last quality is especially important for older people.

The uniqueness of green stone

The main characteristics, description, properties of the green stone coincide with the general amber “trend”. But there are also unique features:

• Color range. Varies depending on origin. Sicilian stones are practically devoid of succinic acid, so they resemble emeralds. Baltic is almost always gray-green or olive, while amber from the Dominican Republic is a dazzling green.
• Dimensions. They find pebbles from 4–5 cm to real blocks. The smallest is Baltic amber. The average size of an elite Dominican is about the size of a chicken egg.
• Physicochemical characteristics. The influence of organic matter affected the chemical composition of green amber. It is identical to the proportions inherent in biological organisms (%): carbon - 78, hydrogen and oxygen - 10 each, the rest - other impurities.
• Inclusions . They are small animals or plant remains that have been captured and “preserved” in resin. The most frequent, rich and diverse such inclusions are found in amber of Dominican origin.

Green amber
If left in open space for a long time, green amber can oxidize and turn brown.

According to the mineralogical classification, the green variety of amber is called kissellite.

Magic of stone

If we talk about the magic of the stone, its green tint has an interesting effect on its owner. If a person is kind, sympathetic and not malicious, then the mineral helps him in everything, helps him resolve problems, and enhances his good energy. But if a person is angry and negative, then the stone will interfere with him in every possible way. It is surprising that green amber helps everyone in love, regardless of character traits.

It is known that amber of any color is healing and helps to recover from many diseases, but green has a special effect on the human body. It is the color of nature, life and peace, so first of all it has a good effect on the nervous system. Green amber gives its owner a sense of balance, peace, security, frees one from hectic thoughts, and puts them in a positive mood. In addition, it promotes concentration of thoughts, relieves palpitations, normalizes the activity of the cardiovascular system, stabilizes blood pressure and treats arrhythmia. Green ambers framed in silver have the most powerful properties.

How amber is made green

The rarity of green pebbles prompted people to look for a way out. Ordinary amber was made green by ancient “masters” by heating honey specimens in olive oil. Medieval craftsmen came up with the idea of ​​applying green coloring paste to the underside of amber jewelry inserts. Or they placed green substrates under a heated stone.

Modern technologies take into account the chemical composition of amber from different places on the planet:

• Thermal exposure in gaseous media or liquids. Amber exhibits a luminescent effect.
• Heating with a dosed supply of oxygen. The foil-wrapped pebble is placed in the oven. The result is a green gem with a high degree of transparency that shimmers with gold.

The highest quality artificial imitations of the latest generation are created and produced at the Kaliningrad Amber Plant. They are called burnite and buranite. They consist of natural raw materials bonded with resins. The properties are superior to the original: durable, do not crack, shine like emeralds.

Completely artificial imitations of green amber

Modern imitations of green amber are devoid of any disadvantages inherent in processed natural stone. If heated Baltic amber cracks with a characteristic internal “confetti” and acquires a rusty-green tint, then burnite and buranite shine with emerald beauty, are distinguished by strength and durability.

The constant replenishment of the market of polyester resins cured with special additives or ultraviolet irradiation opens up wide opportunities for counterfeiters of green amber. Handcrafted jewelry imitating green amber is becoming more perfect every year...

Buranite. Imitations of non-natural origin - buranite. Not to be confused with burnite.

Baltic amber processed using a special method. The result was a swamp green tint. Confetti is like decorating a solid stone, and along with it, there is a damaged and very fragile internal structure of the stone.

What else could resemble green amber? Colombian copal that has undergone autoclaving in an aquatic environment.

Gem products

Green stones have a special place in jewelry. They are almost always paired with white frames. Bright ones are reserved for premium-segment jewelry (gold, platinum) and VIP souvenirs. These things are made to order. Simpler copies come in silver.

Green amber earrings

Products made from green amber look great, in which the stones are lightly processed or pristine: beads, bracelets, pendants.

This is a universal gem:

• Earrings with green amber are especially suitable for platinum blondes.
• For another type of appearance, jewelry is combined with matching clothes.
• Dark green amber is popular in men's assortment (cufflinks, tie clips, key rings) and among ladies of Balzac age.
• Light or bright green stones are intended for young ladies.

Almost all amber jewelry is quite voluminous, so they should not be worn en masse. Two or three small ones (earrings plus a bracelet or earrings-brooch-ring) or one, such as beads or a necklace, are enough.

Ring with green amber

PURCHASE AND CARE

Natural green amber is rare, so the amulet deserves to be treated with care. This is especially true due to its fragility, which is typical for any amber. However, first, before purchasing, you should make sure that the mineral is real.

Checking the stone for authenticity

A true green stone is identified in the same way as any other amber:

• When heated, it emits the smell of pine resin;
• When rubbed, it becomes electrified and attracts small objects - threads or pieces of paper;
• Absorbs heat well and always feels slightly warm in the hand.
• Completely artificial imitations of green amber have no odor when heated and do not become electrified.

We recommend: Where on Earth IS AMBER MINED?

How to wear, store and care

Amber is worn in rings, necklaces and made into beads.

A silver one is especially suitable as a frame: according to practicing magicians, silver enhances the mystical properties of the talisman.

Rules for the care and storage of amber:

• Amber has low hardness, so jewelry should be stored away from other products, especially metal.
• The gem is protected from the effects of alcohol-based liquids that leave an oily trace on the surface: such as perfume, eau de toilette.
• It is better not to use the soap solution that is usually used to wash jewelry - the jewelry quickly becomes dull from soap.
• Under the bright rays of the sun, it quickly loses its bright green color and fades. It is advisable to wear the gem only in the evening.

Text author: Sergey TIMOVSKY

Related publications

• Where on Earth IS AMBER MINED?
• What is PRESSED AMBER
• HEALING PROPERTIES OF AMBER
• 50 shades of mother-of-pearl: how to distinguish sea pearls from river pearls

Where to buy amber, cost

You can buy jewelry or products made from green amber at several addresses:

• jewelry stores (regular or online);
• markets of countries where amber is mined (Dominican Republic or Sicily);
• website of the Kaliningrad Amber Combine.

The last address is the most reliable in terms of accuracy of origin: imitations are called by their proper names there. Salvation for those who cannot travel overseas.

The price of jewelry on the domestic market is affordable, does not exceed a thousand rubles for a silver (ring, earrings) or small item without a frame.

So, a silver set of earrings plus a ring will cost 1200–1500 rubles.

Earrings with green amber and silver

The cost of more impressive copies is one and a half to three thousand. Agglomerates with inclusions cost tens of thousands of rubles.

How to spot a fake

The origin of the sample is determined by the properties of natural amber. True mineral:

• it begins to smell only when heated, emitting a delicate pine or clove scent (artificial always smells, when heated it smells like a “pharmacy”);
• warm and pleasant to the touch;
• rubbed on clothes attracts threads, ashes, hair;
• floats in salt water, drowns in fresh water;
• glows under ultraviolet light;
• the needle is not damaged.

If it is difficult to distinguish a fake on your own, experts will help.

How to distinguish a real stone from a fake one

Due to its rarity and high cost, the stone is often counterfeited. For this use:

• buranite is an artificially obtained crystal, during the growth process insects penetrate into it;
• painted acrylic;
• glass with pigments;
• resin from other plants (copal, acacia).

You can distinguish an original from a fake by the following features:

1. If you hold a natural stone in your palms, a subtle pine or clove aroma will appear. If the smell comes from a cold gem, then it is a fake.
2. Natural stone sinks in fresh soda and floats in salt soda. The fake will sink anyway.
3. If green amber is rubbed on clothing, it will begin to attract fluff, thread trimmings, and small chips. Imitation does not have this property.
4. When heated, the imitation and the original will behave differently. Products made from kauri resin (a tree species) will begin to deform and blur. The plastic will melt, emitting a chemical smell. The amber will become soft - it melts at higher temperatures.
5. The plastic is lighter than the original. Natural amber is heavier and warm to the touch.
6. The presence of cracks indicates a real stone. Glass fakes are much more resistant to damage.

Find out how to make amber yourself at home in the article.
Watch a video review on how to check the authenticity of amber jewelry:

Caring for amber products

Green requires the same care as any other amber:

1. The mineral should not be dropped or hit against other objects - it will crack. Jewelry, especially bracelets, should be worn carefully.
2. It becomes cloudy in the sun, so jewelry is not worn on the beach or a summer walk in the heat.

Amber does not tolerate the sun, but cool sunbathing is beneficial for it: it is recharged with energy, increasing its shine.

1. Does not tolerate contact with perfumes, grease, and household chemicals. Dirty fingers leave stains that are difficult to remove.
2. From drying out it becomes covered with cracks and collapses. To avoid this, the stone is periodically bathed or left in a wet cloth for several hours. After the procedure, wipe dry with a soft cloth.
3. Temperature changes, extreme cold or heat are contraindicated for amber. The box with it is placed away from heat sources or windows.
4. Dirt is removed with a soft cloth under running, non-hot water. A brush or rough sponge is prohibited: the amber will be scratched.
5. Jewelry is stored in a separate box: tightly closed and soft from the inside. If the box is shared, protect it from denser minerals and framed jewelry.

A special case is clouded amber. It is restored by covering it with a mixture of paraffin half and half with tooth powder. The remaining mixture is removed with a soft cloth.

It is better not to experiment with expensive natural green amber, but to entrust the cleaning or restoration to a master jeweler.

Amber magic

Energy plus an unusual color have given the green mineral a lasting reputation as a magic stone. The Scots, for example, are sure that green beads strung on a red thread ward off evil spirits.

“Emerald” resin can help physically and emotionally:

• puts up an impenetrable shield against the evil eye, damage, slander;
• patronizes spouses and lovers;
• makes the owner lucky;
• helps you stay healthy;
• protects housing from the elements: fire, thunderstorm, hurricane;
• encourages an active lifestyle.

A green amber talisman is taken for good luck when starting a new business. It is advisable to set the stone in silver: the magical properties will be enhanced.

However, magic only works when the owner's thoughts are pure. The “evil” owner’s green pebble turns dark.

Compatibility with Zodiac signs

The stone is not suitable only for Taurus. It makes them nervous and absent-minded. Aquarius, Scorpio and Aries also cannot count on the healing or magical properties of the gem; it treats them neutrally, neither helping nor harming. As a talisman, astrologers advise purchasing green amber for such zodiac signs as:

• Leo (helps to gain confidence in one’s own abilities, protects against negativity, adds good luck);
• Capricorn (comforts, adds strength);
• Cancer (calms, reconciles with oneself and others);
• Virgo (protects against stress, gives incentive to overcome obstacles);
• Pisces (adds optimism, has a positive effect on health);
• Gemini (makes you more collected, helps you put things in order, stop delving into yourself);
• Libra (helps you believe in yourself and set the right achievable goals).

Amber talismans help you sort things out, believe in yourself, and improve your well-being. Green amber is considered rare, but stones of regular color are mined everywhere. The cost of jewelry is low, almost anyone can buy it. The gem is truly beautiful; even very rich people are not ashamed to wear it.

Therapeutic effect

People appreciated and began to study the healing capabilities of the green mineral thousands of years ago.

Ancient world

The aesculapians of the Ancient world, led by Hippocrates, achieved particular success. Asian medicine studied amber under the leadership of the great Avicenna.

Doctors prepared healing potions with a wide spectrum of action from green powder. In the capital of the Roman Empire, rooms for relaxation from the bustle of the city were popular. Their walls were covered from floor to ceiling with green amber plates.

Today, its power is used by healers, and even official medicine recognizes it.

Jewelry with green amber

ethnoscience

Modern healers claim that the green mineral can help solve the following physical and emotional problems:

• headache;
• hypertension;
• poor sleep, insomnia;
• depression, apathy, aggression;
• eye diseases;
• heart failure: arrhythmia, tachycardia;
• aching joints;
• sore throat, other throat ailments;
• ARVI, colds.

To cope with the disease, a pebble or decoration with it is placed closer to the diseased organ or area.

Contemplation of green amber calms the nerves, extinguishes unnecessary emotions, neutralizes aggressiveness or outbursts of rage.

It is better to hold the pebble in your hands: visual and tactile effects enhance the effect.

Official science

Medicine is skeptical about drugs as therapeutic drugs. But it does not refute the beneficial effects of green amber components:

1. Scientists explain the ability of the mineral to calm emotions and extinguish aggression by the influence of color. The green range is beneficial for vision; it is recommended to contemplate such objects if your eyes are tired.
2. Massage with polished stones is healing. Pain goes away, tension and fatigue are relieved. Inflammatory processes are mitigated. Metabolism, blood circulation, and cell regeneration are activated. Scientists attribute this to the ability of amber to create weak currents through friction.
3. Succinic acid. A powerful antiseptic and inflammation eliminater. Included in pharmaceutical sedatives, means for improving blood quality, digestion, and general metabolism.
4. Amber oil. Natural ester for fighting viruses, inflammation, healing cuts and wounds. Strengthens the immune system, treats skin diseases.

The healing properties are inherent exclusively in the natural whole mineral.

Magical and healing properties

Avicenna was the first to describe the properties of amber in detail; he also used the rare green stone to treat nervous disorders. Currently, scientists are confirming this property. It is explained by the fact that warm green color has a beneficial effect on the human psyche, relaxing spasmodic muscles and relieving nervous excitement.

The ability of amber to electrify is used in massage. Rubbing the mineral against the skin creates weak electrical impulses that eliminate muscle pain and spasms. Blood flow and metabolic processes in skin cells improve.

Alternative medicine attributes the unusual gem's ability to restore proper heart rhythm, eliminate headaches and joint pain, and cure colds.

Green amber itself and the magical properties of this stone are often used by esotericists. It is believed that it is able to calm passions, calm anger, and concentrate the will and thoughts.

Helps in cleansing the aura and entering a meditative state. Many people believe that gems given to a loved one will protect the lovers’ feelings from life’s adversities.

Green amber and the Zodiac

According to the horoscope, the green variety of amber suits several zodiac signs:

• Her favorites are Leos. The mineral helps lionesses achieve their goals and protects them from external negativity (especially the evil eye and envy). Charismatic ladies of this sign are always under the special sight of ill-wishers. For Leo men, this is a source of luck, energy, and vitality. Helps lion cubs to believe in themselves.
• Sagittarius is assisted in business and career. However, if a person does not live up to the trust, the stone will “close” forever.
• Capricorns are inspired by supporting them in difficult times.
• Helps Cancers calm their violent temper.
• Dev protects from nervous disorders and stimulates overcoming obstacles.
• Gives Pisces optimism, increases self-esteem, and makes them healthier.
• Gemini is gently forced to be collected, orderly, and protected from self-digging.
• Libra gives self-confidence, showing the path to achieving the goal.

The green mineral is neutral to Scorpios, Aquarius, and Aries. Astrology considers him incompatible with Taurus: they will only get nervousness.

Properties of green amber

A unique gem has its own chemical and physical characteristics, and has magical and healing properties.

The chemical formula of green amber is C10H16O+ (H2S). It includes:

• succinic acid;
• succinorezene;
• succinoabietic acid.

Gem from a physics point of view:

• becomes cloudy under the sun's rays;
• melting point – from 100 °C;
• density up to 1.3 g/cm3;
• turns blue in ultraviolet rays;
• resin shine;
• hardness on the Mohs scale – 2 points, which is comparable to gypsum;
• when rubbed, it acquires an electrical charge;
• disintegrates with sudden temperature fluctuations.

Magical and healing properties

Products made from green amber are suitable for people with good intentions. The solar mineral is incompatible with dark plans, stinginess, and malice. The stone affects the owner:

• brings peace to the family;
• gives energy and strength for work;
• protects from unkind glances;
• protects the house from any incidents;
• helps in the fight against emotions, gives calm.

According to the zodiac sign, green amber is most suitable:

• For Gemini - it will make them more collected and responsible;
• Cancer – will give sociability, reduce expressiveness;
• Leos - will help achieve their goals;
• For Virgos - it will become a symbol of novelty, changes in life;
• Libra - representatives of the sign will feel self-confident;
• Sagittarius - favors career advancement;
• Capricorns – will give strength to move forward;
• Pisces - will allow you to look at the world more optimistically.

Does not affect Scorpios, Aquarius, Aries - the jewelry can be worn if you like it.

Taurus should refrain from buying green amber - it will give them excessive activity, make them demanding of others, nervous, which will provoke conflicts.

Hippocrates also studied the healing properties of green amber. Modern lithotherapy, together with traditional medicine, uses the stone for the following problems:

• headache;
• insomnia;
• eye diseases;
• hypertension;
• pharyngitis, sore throat, laryngitis;
• apathy, depression;
• colds.