The
history of Amber Stone
Amber’s
Names Throughout History.
The origin of the stone’s name is the Arabic word
“anbar”,
adopted in Middle Latin as
“ambar”,
and then in Middle French as
“ambre”.
Known
as a healing stone associated with the Sun, Amber also holds the classical name
of “electrum.” The word derives from “elektor” which means “beaming Sun”.
Amber
Stone Meaning, History and Symbolic Value
Is
Amber a stone?
Technically, the gem is improperly called that way as it is
a fossil resin.
The insertions of insects and plants you often observe in
amber stones
are because they exuded from ancient coniferous trees.
The
characteristic color of amber is that warm golden to brown yellow,
but the
stone actually comes in various shades from green to a reddish orange and dark
brown.
Occasionally, you may see whitish, bluish, and even blackish exemplars.
Amber:
Legends and Lore
What
is the meaning of Amber stones in ancient lore?
Ancient Greek legends say that
the God of Sun changed the Heliades into trees for helping Phateon, their
brother, to drive his Gold Chariot without permission.
Their tears are said to
have transformed into little drops of amber as they fell from the branches and
met Sun’s heat.
Celtic
Amber jewelry was discovered in forms of amulets.
They believed the stones
would restore their strength and vitality.
Other Anglo-Saxon legends talk about
the use of amber to facilitate clarity of vision>
Wearing an Amber necklace
would make people speak truthfully.
Amber
stones were also highly valued by Egyptians 3,200 years before Christ.
Romans,
too, prized the gemstone so much that they requested to be paid in Amber during
the time of Caesar.
Final
Thoughts on the History, Value, and Meaning of Amber Stone
Amber’s
beauty is millions of years in the making
and its crystal healing properties
are proven and tested since ancient times.
Having said that,
amber is truly one
of the most precious stones one can acquire–a crystal of high value, rich
history, and impressive healing powers.
