Many people know such a stone as amber. The most common variant of the petrified resin is honey-colored with a brown tint. However, there are other varieties of this mineral. White amber has high aesthetic qualities. Some even attribute to him unique healing and magical properties.
general characteristics
Dairy stones used in the culture of various nations in ancient times. All sorts of jewelry and accessories from it were common and therefore did not have high value. They could afford the citizens of almost any class. They were actively used by the priests when burning incense (a special composition that was used in various ceremonies).
The inhabitants of the East used white stones for the treatment of diseases and getting rid of various ailments. And also this element was widely used in decorating houses, pipes and hookahs.
It is worth noting that scientists are also interested in this mineral, exploring its benefits. Succinic acid was found in the light variety of amber. It is an effective and natural bioactive element.
Milky-colored amber is highly valued in China. In Russia, such stones are called dusty, and in the West, the mineral is called the royal stone.
A brief description of:
- the hardness of the stone varies from 2 to 2.5 points on the Mohs scale;
- amber has a resin gloss;
- the average density is 1.05-1.09, and the maximum reaches 1.3 g / cm³;
- lack of adhesions;
- The level of transparency can vary from completely transparent to completely opposite instances.
Stone formation
Experts are voicing two versions of the formation of the mineral amazing milk color.
- It is believed that the amazing color was due to the content of chalk particles.
- Some believe that light blotches are small bubbles that get into the resin during the process of hardening the resin. They create the illusion of whiteness. The size of these bubbles is miniature (micron), and when clustered, they create expressive white patterns.
Experts have determined that the white appearance of amber appeared first in this family. From the moment of formation of such stones passed from 38 to 54 million years.
Varieties
It is worth noting that 80% of all amber in the world is of Baltic origin, for the same reason almost all types of white amber from the same region.
The most valuable stone is the Baltic succinite.
Its importance was noted almost worldwide.
The most expensive copy of the succinites is considered to be a kind called "knoken", it is also "ivory". The name of the stone was due to the visual similarity with the above natural material. Amber is actively used in the manufacture of jewelry and decorative items of premium class.
There are other types of stone.
- Bone amber has a layered color and a slight yellow tinge. The nature of the shine is matte.
- Foamy amber has the lightest weight due to its porosity. Because of the special external data, experts compare it with a frozen foam.
- Stones, in which the inclusion is completely absent (remnants of living organisms), are called white amber.
- Instances with white divorces on the surface are called landscape. This is a very rare species.
Production
It is known that the frozen resin is mined on the territory of all continents.The largest deposits are recorded in Ukraine, the Baltic and Burma. It is worth noting that the dairy stone often accompanies the types of other colors, while the light look is very rare. Its share is 1-2% of the total amount of amber.
The extraction process requires extreme care and accuracy. Use the standard methods can not be, they can harm the minerals. The deposits of stones are shallow, so when using explosives, they are destroyed.
Using
As already noted, gems with white patches are actively used in decoration and jewelry.
Light copies are often used in the design of paintings and Christian icons.
And also make rosaries of them. Due to the special color of the specimens of this type are wonderfully combined with other colors and shades, with different metals, including gold and silver.
Milk varieties of amber are considered universal due to the fact that they are relevant for any type of appearance and age. And also it harmoniously looks with clothes of any color. White gems are ideal for making men's accessories, such as rings, cufflinks and more.
How to distinguish a fake?
White amber is often done by giving imitations for real minerals. Instead of dairy stones, use artificial materials, as well as painted epoxy resin. To determine the origin of the stone, you must check its properties.
Natural stone has the following characteristics:
- when heated, the gem emits a light coniferous scent;
- under the influence of ultraviolet radiation begins to glow;
- a real stone will drown in fresh water, but will float in salty water;
- If you rub amber on a silk material, it will acquire the properties of attracting small fibers and ashes.
Note: at home to make a quality fake is unrealistic. You can only independently handle gray options. Such specimens are heat treated, immersed in rapeseed or flax seed oil. After mixing aniline white paint and boil. Accurately determine the type and origin of amber can only expert.
Magical qualities
Those who ascribe special properties to natural gems believe that Milk amber has light natural power.
- This is a powerful talisman for women who are going to become mothers. He will protect them from the evil eye and diseases. And also white amber facilitates childbirth.
- The light mineral attracts friendship, love and other warm and light feelings.
- To protect against dark otherworldly forces, a small amber ball of amber is stored in clothing.
- Myanmar residents give each child frog figurines of light amber. In their opinion, the talisman will protect against damage.
- A piece of gem is placed under the pillow for a good sleep.
- This stone is wonderfully suited to romantic and sensual natures who expect response emotions from the object of their desires.
Milk stones in gold or copper frames are often used to perform magical rites. Adherents from numerous cultures are convinced that amber is the concentration of the energy of the sun.
Before bedtime jewelry with white amber is better to remove. It is believed that under the action of the gem, people begin to talk in a dream, telling personal secrets.
Healing properties
For a long time, stone was used to prepare medicinal mixtures. With the help of amber, they struggled with stomach pains, heart problems and other ailments.
Currently, the following qualities are attributed to the stone:
- reduction of inflammations of varying severity;
- the establishment of the central nervous system;
- suspension of liver cirrhosis;
- extermination of malignant tumors in the early stages;
- struggle with varicose veins;
- easing asthma.
Succinic acid is used commercially as a natural biological stimulant.
Care
Care for white specimens should be the same as for other types of amber. It is important to create and maintain the correct microclimate in the place where the gem is stored.
- Natural stones negatively tolerate sudden changes in temperature.
- Long stay in the sun leads to the fact that amber begins to darken. In this case, a slight sunbathing will be only useful for the gem.
- Amber cannot boast of excellent strength, therefore it can be damaged or even split if dropped from a height or hit hard.
- Do not take amber with dirty hands. Also, the stone loses its attractiveness from contact with chemicals, cosmetics and grease.
- Jewelry with amber should be stored in a separate casket with soft upholstery, separately from other products.
- If in the room where amber is stored, dry air, the surface may be covered with a fine mesh of cracks. To avoid this, it is necessary to periodically make baths.
About other properties of amber can be found in the video below.