CHISOM IBEMERE
Amber often reffered to as Baltic Gold is an organic substance or gemstone, which is gotten from tree resin and preserved for years and later formed into a stone. It is a fossilized and hardened resin of pine trees which has been of great value for it’s exceptional colour and beauty since the neolithic times. They have been sculpted into a lot of objects for beautification and used as a healing element in traditional medicine.
Amber can be classified into five based on their chemical compositions. It may have animal and plant materials due to their soft and sticky nature. It has a mohs hardness of 2-2.5, refractive index of 1.5-1.6, specific gravity of 1.06-1.10 and a melting point of 250oC. It decomposes when heated above 200oC which may yield Amber oil and it may also have a black residue called Amber colophony dissolved in Turpentine or linseed oil. As Amber undergoes maturation over the years, it polymerises.
Resins are converted into Copal by molecular polymerization due to high temperature and pressure from excessive sediment. Steady heat removes terpenes which finally results in the formation of Amber. Resins may survive long enough to produce Amber but must be resistant to decay and some other forces that may disintegrate it such as sunlight, rain, microorganisms, extreme temperature etc.
Amber is known to be the first gemstone ever used in the production of Jewelries for over 10,000 years. It may have some inclusions of insects within it which makes it unique and well known. Those with the inclusion of rare insects, light colour and clarity tend to be more valued and prized than those without inclusions.
Amber occurs in different colours of yellow, orange and brown colours. The transparent Amber gemstones are mostly utilized for Jeweleries. They can be used in making pendants, earrings. Amber are carved into artistic Ornaments and inlays and also Objects such as pipe stems, and handles if umbrellas. They are also burned and used in making perfumes