AMBER
Amber is actually not a stone, but rather amorphous, fossilized tree sap. Amber comes from the fossilized resin that lived tens of millions of years ago in trees. It is normally a golden yellow to golden orange, and ranges from transparent to semi translucent. It can also be dyed many colors. Amber was one of the first substances used for personal adornment. In fact, decorated pieces of amber have been found in remains from theĀ Stone Age. The stones were used as amulets and talismans before, during, and since the ancient Greeks. Amber rates a 2.5 on theĀ hardness scaleĀ but is reasonably tenacious and workable- its softness makes it relatively easy to carve. Since prehistoric times, amber has been used for religious objects. It was believed to have talismanic properties, and many ancient people buried amber objects and amulets with their dead to protect them in the afterlife.
