Does green amber exist in nature: interesting facts, meaning and properties

If grateful humanity decides to erect a monument to a precious stone, then amber will take first place in line for the pedestal. Because, at least, the acquaintance with electricity, without which we can’t live today, happened through the medium of amber. What color should I make a sculpture in honor of the ancient companion of humanity? Honey, say adherents of the classic amber variety. Green, deep connoisseurs of beauty will clarify - and they will be right! Green amber is rare and uniquely beautiful. But what kind of green amber are we talking about? Let's try to figure it out.

Different greens of different ambers

The lion's share of amber mined in the Baltics, central and northern Europe is colored honey-yellow. In some cases, the mined stones turn distinctly green - however, retaining a yellow or yellow-brown tint. Minerologists explain such color deviations by special “storage” conditions. Some specimens of newly formed amber, by a whim of fate, ended up in swampy waters full of rotting organic matter. And they spent enough time in them for the interaction of wood resins with nitrogen compounds.

As a result of slow natural nitration, ordinary honey ambers acquired the color of withered grass. Such greenery is far from emerald green, but greenish European ambers are in demand: they are still beautiful, and rare...

Curious samples of fossil resins are mined on the island of Sicily. Most of them are red, some have a distinct blue tint, sometimes with a noticeable green tint. Even more beautiful stones were once dug up in the brown coal deposits of Saxony: they were distinguished by their transparency and golden-green color.

However, all European green amber “pales” in front of Dominican amber.

A little about amber

Amber is called a stone, although the nature of its origin is absolutely different. In fact, the gem was formed from the resin of perennial trees after the onset of global warming.

This process occurred gradually, under the influence of air and other environmental factors. As a result, we received real natural amber.

The main shade of the gem is yellowish-brown. In addition, it is quite rare in nature, but you can also find other colors of stone. Such as blue, white, silver, green, cherry and even black. In total there are about 200 different shades.

The most beautiful and expensive

Nature decreed that tree resins, fossilized in the geological conditions of the island of Haiti, became similar to the marine environment. The stone mass is similar in color and transparency to sea water. Frequent foreign inclusions imitate sand mounds and bottom vegetation.

Some of the Dominican ambers are more blue than green. But the most beautiful and most expensive ones are famous for their beautiful green color with a slight bluish tint. The cost of the best specimens can be tens of hundreds of dollars per gram.

Fortunately, local miners of green amber are not prone to artisanal damage to the stone, and do not really like to carve tasteless figurines from the precious material. However, if you find yourself on the shopping streets of Santo Domingo, shopkeepers will try to sell you stale illicit goods. Feel free to bargain, reducing the price by five to ten times, and then in any jewelry workshop in Russia and Europe, rough-hewn skulls and figurines of chimeric insects will be turned into decent cabochons according to your order.

Stone storage and care

The green gem is subject to many environmental influences and more. Therefore, it must be stored carefully and carefully. And take care, following all instructions.

Rules for caring for green amber:

• Store products separately from others. Amber is quite vulnerable to scratches and chips. It is best to use a special box or casket with a lid.
• Keep jewelry away from perfume. A drop of aromatic oil or eau de toilette can leave an imprint on a gem that cannot be removed by anything.
• Under no circumstances use soap solutions or cleaning agents to clean the product. They can cause irreparable damage to the decoration.
• Green amber should be processed at home using clean water, possibly salted. After completing the procedure, wipe the product dry with a soft cloth or a special cloth.
• You should not wear gem jewelry for a long time or often in direct sunlight. This can cause the stone to become dull and even crumble prematurely.
• Do not store green stone with metal jewelry. This may make it cloudy.
• Gem beads must be placed in the box with extreme care. It is best to use soft material, which is transferred between the beads. This will prevent friction and chipping.

High price as an incentive for chemical creativity

Emperor Nero gave a young and strong slave for a small piece of green amber. Therefore, even in ancient times, craftsmen got the hang of turning ordinary amber into green. Most of the stones cracked when heated in unrefined olive oil, but the color of the amber fragments changed to green. A good effect is also observed when amber is heated dry under conditions of limited oxygen access. The heated stone is wrapped tightly in foil and placed in the oven. After processing, amber becomes glass-transparent and literally shines with a golden-green color. To enhance the color, medieval craftsmen came up with the idea of ​​treating the lower side of jewelry inserts, hidden from the user, with a coloring paste. Green substrates under heated amber were also practiced. In modern conditions, green amber is produced everywhere. The difference in the chemical composition of amber mined in different deposits determines the variety of stone processing technologies. Multi-stage exposure in heated gas and liquid media is used. The fossilized resins are saturated with metal ions. Intense irradiation with a hard electromagnetic spectrum makes it possible to achieve the effect of luminescence in the thickness of the stone.

Researchers, however, note: the most attractive green color of amber is obtained not by the introduction of impurities, but by high-temperature exposure. Atomic aggregations that arise under the influence of high temperatures change the light transmittance of resins. The longest wavelengths of light (red) are absorbed, and the light passing through the array acquires a green tint.

Description and characteristics

Green amber is a gem valued by jewelers and aesthetes for its rarity and alien color . In the sun's rays it seems to begin to glow. Maybe that’s why the Turks nicknamed it “burning stone.”

Is natural amber green?

Green amber is fossilized pieces of ancient resin from coniferous trees that grew during the Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene periods.

It received a green tint due to its location near swamps, the rotting vegetation of which gave the stone an unusual color.
Interesting! Green amber, formed from the resin of the ancient pine Pinus succinieferra, which grew on earth millions of years ago, is the most saturated color.

Getting Color

The rarity of natural green amber forces many jewelers to use a trick: they try to recreate its color artificially .

There are three main ways in which amber is given its green color outside of natural conditions:

1. Warming up natural yellow amber with limited air access. The result of this process is amber with a greenish tint, sparkles or inclusions inside the stone.
2. Imitation. Green amber is replaced by more affordable buranite, bernite or even plastic, which are sometimes very difficult to distinguish from the original.
3. Coloring. A special coloring paste is used, which is applied to ordinary yellow amber to give it the required shade.

Physicochemical characteristics

Green amber is a transparent or translucent stone from blue-green to marsh color . Inside the mineral, inclusions in the form of frozen insects, plant particles or air bubbles are clearly visible.

Table of physical and chemical properties of green amber

Attention! Green amber begins to melt at a temperature of 100 °C.

Completely artificial imitations of green amber

Modern imitations of green amber are devoid of any disadvantages inherent in processed natural stone. If heated Baltic amber cracks with a characteristic internal “confetti” and acquires a rusty-green tint, then burnite and buranite shine with emerald beauty, are distinguished by strength and durability.

The constant replenishment of the market of polyester resins cured with special additives or ultraviolet irradiation opens up wide opportunities for counterfeiters of green amber. Handcrafted jewelry imitating green amber is becoming more perfect every year...

Buranite. Imitations of non-natural origin - buranite. Not to be confused with burnite.

Baltic amber processed using a special method. The result was a swamp green tint. Confetti is like decorating a solid stone, and along with it, there is a damaged and very fragile internal structure of the stone.

What else could resemble green amber? Colombian copal that has undergone autoclaving in an aquatic environment.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

Green amber is recommended for all zodiac signs, each of which will feel the influence of the gem to a greater or lesser extent. You can find out who the stone is suitable for from the table.

Green amber leaves no one indifferent, forcing you to peer into its depths again and again. Therefore, those who ask green amber - what it is, can answer: the creation of a good wizard.

Magic of stone

If we talk about the magic of the stone, its green tint has an interesting effect on its owner. If a person is kind, sympathetic and not malicious, then the mineral helps him in everything, helps him resolve problems, and enhances his good energy. But if a person is angry and negative, then the stone will interfere with him in every possible way. It is surprising that green amber helps everyone in love, regardless of character traits.

It is known that amber of any color is healing and helps to recover from many diseases, but green has a special effect on the human body. It is the color of nature, life and peace, so first of all it has a good effect on the nervous system. Green amber gives its owner a sense of balance, peace, security, frees one from hectic thoughts, and puts them in a positive mood. In addition, it promotes concentration of thoughts, relieves palpitations, normalizes the activity of the cardiovascular system, stabilizes blood pressure and treats arrhythmia. Green ambers framed in silver have the most powerful properties.

Warning

When choosing green amber, you can come across specimens for which they ask a small price. Keep in mind that this is not amber, but buranite, a stone obtained by artificially reproducing natural conditions. The resin is subjected to the same actions that formed ancient amber. The result is very similar to a real stone: Buranite is just as beautiful. But this stone does not have healing or even magical properties. It is not easy to distinguish Buranite from amber by appearance, so price is the main feature.

Jewelry with green amber

Gem products

Raw green amber is collected by collectors. To make jewelry, a stone must be cut, ground, polished and cut. The most commonly used is the cabochon. Made from stone:

Examples of successful combinations:

• yellow summer sundress and bracelet;
• long cream dress and earrings;
• beige suit and brooch.

Dark green specimens look good on older men and women; young girls prefer light and green tones.

Green amber requires care. Basic principles:

• store in a separate case or box;
• wash with cool water;
• for heavily soiled products, use a weak saline solution;
• After washing, wipe dry with a soft cloth.

• drop;
• leave in direct sunlight;
• subject to temperature changes;
• allow contact with creams and perfumes - permanent stains will remain;
• use ultrasonic cleaning;
• wash with soapy water - the product will fade.

To see what a product with stone looks like:

Unusual verification methods

Amber can be distinguished from a fake in the following unconventional way:

Apply 2-3 drops of 96% alcohol to the surface, leave for a few seconds, dry with a napkin. The original will become sticky and rough, the fake will remain intact.

To distinguish an amber stone from a craft, try it on your teeth. Hardened pine resin will be soft, but glass or stone will be hard.

If you rub the product in your hands, the copal quickly becomes deformed, softening from the warmth of your fingers; glass and plastic will remain unchanged, but the solar stone will show small dents from prolonged exposure.

You can distinguish the original from the fake yourself, both in the store and at home. One way to avoid buying a fake is to ask for documents confirming the origin of the mineral.

Mineral extraction and its cost

Only a few countries have deposits of rare gems: Colombia, Mexico, the island of Sicily, France. But the recognized leader is amber mined in the Dominican Republic. These are large transparent specimens with many inclusions of the warm color of wilted grass.

• Stones are mined in several ways:
• Working in adits is the most common way to search for minerals.
• Fishing from the depths of the sea is carried out both using special equipment and privately, looking for amber at the bottom among algae.
• Working by hand is hard work. It is carried out on shallows where ancient stones are washed up by the sea from time to time. Another option is sand mines, where hand tools are used for work.

Testing the authenticity of amber with salt water

The easiest way to distinguish amber from a fake is to test it in salt water. Prepare a solution of 10 tablespoons of salt in 0.5 liters of water, and then dip the object into it. Natural mineral, unlike glass or epoxy imitations, does not sink.

Ultraviolet

Natural amber glows blue and green under ultraviolet light, but artificial resins, plastic and glass do not. Copal and casein-based artificial amber glow yellow. What to do if you don't have a UV lamp at home? You can’t buy it just for diagnostics, can you? There is a little trick: you can ask for your amber to be illuminated with an ultraviolet lamp in a beauty salon or with a banknote scanner at the cash register.

Weight

Plastic is lighter than amber. Glass is heavier. The exception is foamy varieties of amber, which have numerous pores that give it lightness. Its appearance, the unique alternation of hollow and dense sections cannot be faked by human hands.

Control test

Natural stone is subject to mechanical stress, but reacts to it in a specific way. To distinguish amber from a fake, run the needle along the outer surface with light pressure. By the type of scratch you can easily determine whether the amber is natural or not.

1. The stone crushed along the needle is amber.
2. Leaves no marks - glass.
3. The paint chips in a serpentine pattern - a sign of plastic.

Application

Products made from green amber are popular due to their low price. If you buy jewelry in gold or silver, the price increases significantly. It is noted that jewelry made of gold or platinum looks more presentable, and green amber in silver looks harmonious.

The most common green amber products are earrings, beads, bracelets and rings. Most jewelers make them to sell as souvenirs.

Green Dominican amber is often used to make boxes or figurines. They will be a good addition to your home design and will fit into any interior.

How to distinguish amber from plastic

To determine the naturalness of stones, it is necessary to take into account their variety. Moreover, each crystal has certain characteristics; as for plastic, craftsmen have learned to use all types of this material to make highly professional fakes. Such stones are suitable as jewelry; they are really beautiful and almost “eternal.” The main differences from real stone:

• lighter in weight;
• uniform color or with a characteristic curl that is formed when paint is spread;
• smooth surface.

Among plastic counterfeits, the most common are the following.

Acrylic

Real, unprocessed amber from the mines of Volyn
Acrylic is a popular material for fakes. Unscrupulous sellers advertise them through websites. Such stones are distinguished by their rich shade and perfectly smooth surface.

Bakelite

This stone is also called African amber. However, it is made of plastic. Unlike natural stones, gemstone reacts to solvents.

Celluloid

In the 19th century it was used as an inexpensive alternative to ivory. It is distinguished by a light shade and pronounced unevenness in texture.

Magical and healing properties of amber

Identifying a fake is important for those who intend to use the healing properties of the stone or use it as an amulet. The magical properties of amber are considered to be especially strong if the resin contains an insect or other inclusions.

Interaction with a gem is beneficial for all representatives of the zodiac circle. But when choosing a decoration or amulet, you should take into account the horoscope meaning of amber for different signs. So, for fiery Leos, Sagittarius, Aries, bright yellow and red amber is suitable. Only from such stones will they receive enough energy and strength for their achievements and love.

For the Earth trine, the meaning of the stone is somewhat contradictory. Taurus, who stand firmly on their own two feet, will prefer dark varieties of the mineral. Brown and black Baltic ambers will help them keep from falling in any stressful situation. Virgo is a symbol of fruitful, rich nature. Shades of honey and ripe ears of corn will give her the strength to match the generosity of the planet, which creates benefits for all its inhabitants. Capricorns are suitable for gemstones of milky or cloudy varieties.

Silver ring with amber

Air signs will appreciate not the mineral itself, but jewelry made from it. Their characteristic artistry and creativity are reflected in the requirements for the amulet: it must be something beautiful and designed into a product. Aquarius will especially like varieties with inclusions of gas bubbles. Gemini can get support from any variety except the very dark ones. For Libra, aesthetics in the design of a stone are most important, and they will be able to appreciate any amber only in a frame.

But which zodiac sign of the Water trine might be suitable for a fire amulet? Active male energy, belonging to the opposite element should be too oppressive for receptive Pisces and Cancers. But for them, nature created cloudy and white varieties, calm and cold. These signs will not remain indifferent to stones with sea tones: blue and green amber surprisingly combines the properties of the water element and sunlight. Such stones can always give some warmth to the feelings of cold natures. Scorpios will like and can help with depression only the sunny shades of yellow Baltic varieties.

“Royal berry”, “swamp amber”, “northern orange” - all this is the Cloudberry berry

One of the most traditional forest berries in the north is cloudberry. This is a low marsh plant with only one flower. Cloudberries bloom at the end of May, forming a lush white blanket.

However, not all flowers will grow into an amber berry. It tastes sweet and sour and very juicy.

But not everyone gets it. It’s like he’s hiding from some. People say: “Cloudberries love legs.” Collecting it is not so easy. To get to the berry place, you need to find marshy swamps surrounded by forest thickets. And even if you find it, not every swamp will contain a “cloudberry carpet”, now no longer white, as in the month of May, but amber. Therefore, many berry growers have their own treasured places, which they keep secret from others. And they don’t take anyone there, but pass it on from generation to generation.

There is an old fairy tale about cloudberries. The old man and the old woman had a granddaughter. One day my grandfather fell ill, and no herbs helped him. And then the neighbors told their granddaughter about cloudberries. And this is how it arises. Drops of dew appear on the moss, the sun shines on them, and an amber cloudberry appears. It saves you from many ailments. But it's hard to find. The berry will only appear with its golden side to a person with a kind heart.

The granddaughter went to the swamp. She began to ask Cloudberry to come, and promised that she would not take much - only for the treatment of her grandfather. She did show up. The girl picked some cloudberries. At home I made a decoction and cured the old man. And then I went to that place to pick berries. And she always filled the basket.

By the way, cloudberries among the Nenets are a symbol of femininity. An ornament in the form of a cloudberry is applied to babies' cradles as a talisman. And before the revolution, for example, not a single royal feast was complete without cloudberries. The menu of every Moscow tavern included cloudberry juice and kvass.

The importance of the berry is also evidenced by the fact that the image of a cloudberry is used on the coat of arms of the rural settlement of Glazhevskoye, Leningrad Region, where cloudberries have long been collected. The berry is also on the coat of arms of the Finnish province of Muurame, and also on the Finnish two-euro coin.

This wonderful berry has many advantages. Not only the berries themselves, with their high content of vitamins A and C, are useful, but also the leaves and even the roots. Pomors of Karelia always took a barrel of soaked cloudberries with them when fishing. It was she who saved them from scurvy. If wounds or burns occurred, leaves were placed on them as an anti-inflammatory and blood-stopping agent.

Not only Pomors knew about the healing properties of the berry. When Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld traveled the Northern Sea Route for the first time in history on the barque Vega, and this was in 1878-1879, he took with him cloudberries preserved in rum. He knew about its preventive properties from Norwegian folk medicine. And this was one of the few polar expeditions whose participants did not suffer from scurvy. Fridtjof Nansen, who tried to reach the North Pole on the Fram in 1893, also took with him half a ton of canned cloudberries.

Bark "Vega"

Heart diseases, ailments of the kidneys, liver and stomach have long been treated with decoctions of roots and infusions of cloudberry leaves, and the sepals of the berries were used as a diuretic. A decoction of sepals also helps get rid of cough.

The berries themselves increase appetite and normalize digestion. Juice diluted with water retains bactericidal properties even when frozen when stored for six to seven months, and pickled cloudberries for up to two years.

Aromatic preserves and jams are made from cloudberries. But the most popular recipe is soaked berries, which retain all their nutrients. There are two options - without sugar and with sugar.

Before the revolution, not a single feast, even the royal one, was complete without cloudberries. The menu of all Moscow taverns included cloudberry juice and kvass.

In the first case, put the prepared cloudberries in a clean jar and fill with warm boiled water. Close the lid. This way it can be stored for several years. The only condition is that the temperature should not be higher than 10 degrees.

In the second version of the recipe, we also put the berries in a jar and fill them with sweet, warm boiled water. For one kilogram of cloudberries we use 300-400 grams of sugar. The sweet solution should cover the berries. Also store in a cool place.

Cloudberries belong to the rose family, like strawberries, apples, pears, and apricots, and to the Rubus genus, like raspberries and blackberries. This berry grows in high bogs in Scandinavia, the Russian North, the Baltic states and Primorye. In Belarus, the berry is very rare and is listed in the Red Book.

In Scandinavia, cloudberries are grown on plantations, and also using cell engineering - in test tubes.