PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BALTIC AMBER.
It is classed as a non-metalic mineral, which belongs to hydrocarbon group.
| specific weight | on average 1,056g/cm3. That means that amber will sink in clear water, but will float in 3% salt water. This simple characteristic can be used to distinguish real versus fake amber |
| hardness | soft, 2.3 on the 10 point Mosh scale of hardness |
| melting temperature | between 290 and 380C |
| color | From white, honey, gold, yellow, brown, to almost black. Can be opaque or transparent. |
| electrostatic | if you rub amber on a surface it then attracts light objects, such as hair |
| Smell | gorgeous pine fragrance |
HEALING POWER OF AMBER
From earliest time Amber was regarded as a source of healing power and believed to heal such divers ailments like rheumatism, lung disease, throat infections or sleep disorder. Its medical name is SUCCINUM and Chinese medicine uses amber extensively to deal with stomach distresses, physical pain, injuries, respiratory discomfort, infections and rheumatic pains, gonorrhea and hysteria. Amber reduces fluid retention and helps to detoxify the urine system.
Amber has a rich history being one of the first gems used for amulets and healing. It has been used in prayer beads in Christian and Moslem setting.
A person attracted to amber is warm, sensitive good natured and is a protector of other sensitive people.