Mohs Scale Hardness: 2.5 -3

Chemical Composition: C10H16O

Appearance: 
Amber can range in color from dark brown to a light almost clear lemon yellow. Amber increases in value with the rarity and perfection of the entrapped object.  Complete insect specimens are rare though and command top price.

Occurrence: Baltic Sea , Dominican Republic .

Fact, Legend, Healing Properties:
        
Amber deposits have been found that range between 360 and 1 million years ago and belong between the Carboniferous and Pleistocene geological periods.   As sticky resin oozed from ancient pine trees, small insects, plant material, feathers and other small objects in the path of the flow became entrapped.  Over time, the resin was encased in dirt and debris and through a process of heat and pressure it fossilized to become amber.
      
Amber was one of the first substances used by men for amulets, medicine and decoration. It was brought to the foothills of the Alps from the Baltic coast and the distances covered to obtain it, vast for those days, give an idea of its importance. In ancient times it was ground or soaked and then consumed or drunk as a remedy for illness. It was used in the fire ceremonies of ancient tribal healers and is still a sacred stone to both the Native Americans and Eastern Indians.

Amber is considered to be healing, soothing and harmonizing and to exert a positive influence on the endocrine system, spleen and heart. It has helped in the treatment of asthma, ear trouble, infection, malaria, rheumatism and cutting teeth.

Many believe that Amber brings romantic love, purification, wisdom, energy and balance. It enhances patience, altruism, strength, calmness, healing, remembrance of past lives and ancient knowledge. This stone absorbs and transmutes negative energy.