Hardness: 2.50
Refractive Index: 1.54-1.55
Specific Gravity: 1.08
Birthstone: November.
Astral stone: Aquarius, Pisces, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio
Anniversary Stone: 10th
Origination: The Baltic Coast of Poland & the former Russia, are the two most significant sources today, although amber is found in coastal areas worldwide.
Care & Cleaning: Do not wear amber when doing dishes, bathing or any other related activity which might expose it to harsh detergents and hot water. Avoid contact with hair spray, perfume and powders. Try whenever possible to handle amber jewelry pieces by their settings, rather than by the stones. To clean amber use a plain water rinse or a soft polishing cloth. After drying, a small amount of olive oil may be used to moisten your amber.
Fiction, Facts & Folklore:
Amber is fossilized tree sap, which makes it an organic rather than a mineral.
Amber is actually retrieved from trees buried beneath the sea back centuries ago by the evolution of the earth. The recovery units are usually located near the Baltic Sea. In fact, most experts consider the amber that comes from the Baltic Sea to be the only true gem-quality amber in existence.
When burned, amber emits a scent of pine. It is sometimes used as incense.
The heaviest piece of amber on record weighed just 20 pounds.
Christians believed that finding an amber indicated the presence of God.
In the Far East, amber is believed to be a symbol of courage. Certain Asians still believe that amber is the soul of the tiger.
Early Greeks believed that amber could cool them on a hot summer day.
An oil derived from amber is still used today in certain pharmaceuticals.
Pieces of plant and insect matter preserved forever in amber have contributed to scientific research on the beginnings of life.