Have you ever heard of amber? It’s not just an ornamental stone, it’s a natural treasure with a history spanning thousands of years. Amber is a fossilized resin from ancient trees, and it’s uniquely beautiful and has many uses, from jewelry to energy healing. In this article, I’ll give you a detailed guide to the most prominent types of amber on the market, their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and most importantly, their prices in dollars. Let’s start with the most popular types.
Baltic amber
Baltic amber is one of the most famous types in the world, and comes from the Baltic Sea region, which is one of the largest sources of natural amber. It is characterized by its bright golden color that ranges from light yellow to dark brown, which makes it attractive to lovers of natural stones.
Features :
- Its hardness makes it durable and suitable for jewelry.
- It sometimes contains impurities such as fossilized insects or plants, which adds to its aesthetic and historical value.
Features :
- Perfect for making necklaces and rings.
- Available in multiple colors to suit all tastes.
Disadvantages :
- May be brittle when subjected to high pressure.
- Its prices vary greatly depending on its purity and quality.
the price :
Baltic amber ranges in price from $30 to $100 per gram, and can reach thousands of dollars for rare pieces with historical inclusions.
Kilingradi Amber
The Kaliningrad region of Russia is another important home of amber, and this type is considered one of the most abundant on the world market.
Features :
- It is characterized by its deep orange color, sometimes tending toward red.
- It is often used to make antiques and fine jewelry.
Features :
- Perfect for hobbyists who love stones with a rich history.
- Corrosion resistant and easy to polish.
Disadvantages :
- Some lower quality types may have cracks.
the price :
Prices range from $20 to $80 per gram, with significant increases for larger or well-polished pieces.
Russian amber
When we talk about Russian amber, we are talking about a stone that represents elegance and high quality.
Features :
- It is characterized by its transparent and bright color, which can be completely free of impurities.
- It often comes in polished shapes that are suitable for fine jewelry.
Features :
- It is very pure, which makes it a favorite for making fine jewelry.
- Perfect for special occasions and gifts.
Disadvantages:
- The prices of high quality pieces are very high compared to other types.
the price :
The price of Russian amber ranges from $50 to $150 per gram, and may rise if the stone is of exceptional quality.
Mexican amber
Not many people may know about this species, but it is unique and worthy of attention.
Features :
- It is characterized by its honey color that tends to dark brown, with a distinctive glow under the light.
- It is mainly extracted from tropical forest areas.
Features :
- It has a high density which makes it look more luxurious.
- Relatively rare, making it a prized collector's item.
Disadvantages :
- It is difficult to obtain compared to European types.
- It may be a little more expensive due to its rarity.
the price :
Mexican amber prices range from $40 to $120 per gram, with prices increasing if the stone contains engravings or artistic designs.
Caribbean Amber
Caribbean amber, mined in the Caribbean, is characterized by its beautiful light and bright color. This type of amber is not only visually beautiful, but also has a long history dating back millions of years.
Features :
- Its color ranges from light yellow to light orange, making it attractive for light, modern jewelry.
- It often contains small inclusions of fossilized insects or plants, which adds to its historical value.
- It is characterised by its clear lustre and high transparency, making it an ideal choice for jewellery intended for everyday use.
Features :
- Flexible and easy to shape, making it suitable for small pieces such as rings and necklaces.
- It reflects light beautifully, giving the jewelry a natural, vibrant touch.
Disadvantages :
- It may crack if exposed to high temperatures or if stored incorrectly.
the price :
Caribbean amber prices range from $50 to $90 per gram, depending on its purity and quality. The clearer the color and the freer the pieces, the higher the price. Pieces containing fossilized insects are usually more valuable, reaching $150 per gram or more.
Green amber
Green amber is a very rare species, coming from the tropical forests of the Americas. Its dark green to emerald color gives it a unique and distinctive character.
Features :
- Its emerald green color reflects its rare nature.
- It is believed to have healing properties such as reducing stress and joint pain, making it a healing stone as well.
- It can contain inclusions of fossilized insects or plants, adding to its historical appeal.
Features :
- It is used in the manufacture of therapeutic jewelry and is intended for people who appreciate natural stones.
- It goes well with natural and eco-friendly fashion.
Disadvantages :
- Very rare and hard to find, which increases its value.
the price :
Green amber prices range from $50 to $150 per gram, and can reach over $200 for very rare pieces. The value increases over time due to its rare purity.
Blue Amber
Blue amber is the rarest type among all other types, and is considered a natural treasure.
Features :
- Its color ranges from light blue to dark blue, making it the perfect stone for people looking for unique and distinctive stones.
- Its high shine and pure appearance make it an ideal choice for luxury pieces.
- It is very rare and difficult to extract, which greatly increases its value.
Features :
- It is mainly used in fine and distinctive jewelry, such as necklaces and large bracelets.
- It has a special appeal because of its rare color and luster.
Disadvantages :
- It is rare and difficult to extract, which makes its price very high.
the price :
Blue amber prices range from $100 to $300 per gram, and can reach much higher for rare, high-quality pieces. The value of blue amber is greatly influenced by natural impurities and appearance, and the higher the purity and beauty, the higher the price significantly.
Russian amber
From Russia comes Russian amber, which is distinguished by its beautiful, transparent and bright color.
Features :
- Its colour ranges from light yellow to dark brown, sometimes with a touch of red.
- It usually contains natural impurities such as fossilized insects, which adds to its appeal.
- It is hard and durable, making it a good choice for everyday jewelry.
Features :
- It is used in the manufacture of traditional jewelry and artifacts.
- It features a wide range of available colors, making it suitable for all tastes.
Disadvantages :
- Some species may have natural cracks.
the price :
Prices range from $20 to $80 per gram, with larger or more polished pieces going for a significant increase. High-quality, gem-quality Russian amber can fetch up to $100 per gram or more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the diversity of amber reflects the beauty of nature and its long history. Each type of amber has its own unique specifications and characteristics that make it suitable for different uses, whether in jewelry making or for energy healing purposes. Prices vary greatly depending on color, purity, and impurities, making the choice of the right amber depend on one’s taste and budget. If you are looking for a unique natural stone, amber is an excellent choice that combines beauty, history, and usefulness.