Amber is one of the oldest gemstones known to mankind, carrying with it a long history spanning millions of years. This organic stone is made from fossilized tree resin, which accumulates over time to form a solid and beautiful stone. Amber is not just any stone; it is characterized by its warm colors that vary between yellow, orange and brown, and sometimes contains bubbles or fine impurities that contribute to its unique appearance. Amber is a source of inspiration for artists and jewelers, and was used in ancient civilizations as a tool for decoration and for spiritual and physical healing. To this day, amber remains very popular among gemstone lovers due to its beauty and unique properties.
Amber ores vary depending on the environmental conditions in which they were formed, resulting in the emergence of multiple types, each with different aesthetic and historical advantages. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most famous amber ores, including chiseled amber, kneaded amber, and tiger amber, and learn about their characteristics and what makes each one unique in the world of gemstones.
Amber stones raw materials and their features
One of the characteristics that makes amber special is the variety of its materials. Amber comes in many forms, each of which carries within it a special beauty and unique value. Among the most famous amber materials are: chiseled, kneaded, and tiger. We will get to know each of these types, and delve into their distinctive characteristics.
1. Scribbled amber
Lined amber is one of the most eye-catching types of amber. It is characterized by the presence of fine lines or lines within the stone, which appear as a result of natural interference in its formation. These lines make each piece of this type unique and no two pieces are exactly alike. In addition, this type is characterized by its light color that ranges from yellow to orange, which gives it great visual appeal.
These lines are not just visual details, but reflect a long history of natural formation that amber has undergone over thousands of years. This type of amber is ideal for collectors who appreciate natural and unique beauty. In addition, the smooth texture of the streaked amber enhances its aesthetic value.
2. Kneaded amber
On the other hand, pasted amber is a type that is characterized by its variety of colors and their artistic blending that resembles paste. This type is characterized by a natural blending of colors, as the colors blend between yellow, orange, and even brown, which gives it a unique aesthetic character. Pasted amber has a soft texture and a somewhat flexible nature, which makes it preferred for making various jewelry.
The paste-like appearance makes pasted amber more visually complex, as it can appear in different colors from multiple angles. This variety of color and shape is what makes this type of amber so popular with designers and jewelry makers, especially in unique and custom pieces.
3. Tiger Amber
Tiger amber is a rare and very attractive material. This type is characterized by a pattern that closely resembles the stripes of a tiger's skin, hence its name. The intermingling of yellow and brown colors in tiger amber gives it a wonderful appearance that resembles the nature of the wild. This type of amber is one of the types that attracts the attention of natural jewelry lovers, especially those looking for rare and eye-catching pieces.
In addition to its visual beauty, tiger amber is considered a symbol of strength and courage in some cultures. This stone has the property of reflecting light in an amazing way, which makes it sparkle when exposed to light, which gives it an even more attractive character.
How much is a gram of amber?
The price of a gram of amber varies greatly depending on the type and quality. Amber is a valuable stone, ranging in price from $5 to over $30 per gram in global markets. There are rare types of amber, such as tiger amber and striated amber, which can reach higher prices due to their distinction and purity. The price of a gram of amber in dollars also depends on the source of the stone; Baltic amber is considered one of the best and most famous types, which makes it achieve high prices in the market. Although amber may appear simple in its appearance, types with unique and rare properties achieve very high prices.
What are the best types of amber?
When we talk about the best types of amber, we are talking about types that are distinguished by their natural beauty and historical value. Among these types, Baltic amber comes first, and is the most famous worldwide due to its purity and beautiful colors. This type is characterized by a warm golden color that attracts attention.
Tiger amber is also one of the best types of amber due to its unique pattern that resembles the skin of a tiger. This type features shades of brown and yellow that make it very desirable among jewelry lovers.
Kneaded amber, which features a blend of colors in a single piece, is also a popular choice for those who prefer stones with a distinctive pattern that appears in natural lines.
How do I know the original amber?
Identifying real amber can be a challenge, especially with so many fakes on the market. There are a few simple methods you can use to confirm the authenticity of your amber.
· First , you can do the salt and water test: put the stone in a cup of salt water (dissolve 7 teaspoons of salt in a cup of water), if the stone floats to the surface, this is evidence that it is genuine amber.
· Second , rub the stone on a piece of woolen cloth quickly, if you feel a small electric charge generated, it means it is original.
Third , you can use UV (ultraviolet) rays, as the original amber stone glows under these rays in a light blue or green color.
Always make sure to buy amber from trusted sources, especially if you are looking for amber for sale.
Is amber expensive?
Yes, amber can be expensive depending on its type and quality. Genuine amber prices vary depending on several factors, including the source of the stone, its color, clarity, and size. Rare types such as tiger amber can be more expensive than other types due to their unique appeal. In general, the purer the stone is and the freer it is from impurities or fossilized insects, the higher its market value.
In addition to its aesthetic value, the benefits of amber add to its value. Some consider amber to have health benefits due to its natural properties that are said to help reduce stress and pain. For this reason, many people prefer to invest in buying original amber despite its high price.
Conclusion
Ultimately, amber is a valuable stone both aesthetically and historically. With a variety of materials from striated amber to tiger amber, each variety offers something unique to gem lovers. When considering purchasing amber, be sure to check its current dollar price and its features. Most importantly, remember that amber is not just an ornamental stone, it is a stone that holds stories spanning millions of years, and is a great investment for lovers of rare stones.