Amber is one of the most beautiful, mysterious and popular gemstones known to people since ancient times. Just like pearls and coral, amber is not a traditional stone. However, it is so beautiful and unusual that it is considered precious by right.
Instructions
Step 1
There are many beautiful legends about the origin of amber. According to ancient Greek myth, Phaethon, the son of the sun god Helios, for a long time persuaded his father to allow him to drive his chariot. The sisters of Phaethon Heliada, contrary to the prohibition of Helios, harnessed horses for him. However, the inexperienced youth could not cope with the mighty solar horses, and the chariot began to descend to the Earth. As a result, a terrible fire broke out. The enraged Zeus struck Phaethon with lightning, and he fell into the waters of the Eridanus River and drowned. Heliad, as a punishment for arbitrariness, the gods turned into poplars. So they stand on the banks of the river, continuing to mourn their dead brother. Tears flowing from their branches harden in the sun, turning into amber.
Step 2
An equally sad story is told in Lithuania. The beautiful sea goddess Jurate heard the singing of the young fisherman Kastytis. Coming ashore, she fell in love with the young man and brought him to her underwater amber castle. Father Jurate, the lord of the seas, Perkunas, learned about this. In anger, he killed the fisherman with lightning and destroyed the castle, and chained his rebellious daughter to its ruins. Since then, Jurate eternally mourns the deceased lover, and her amber tears throw the sea waves on the shore. Sometimes they also bring large pieces of amber - fragments of a beautiful underwater castle.
Step 3
In reality, amber is the hardened resin of conifers. It is found on the sea coasts, among the sands and pebbles. The color of this amazing stone ranges from white and pale yellow to reddish brown and almost black. Researchers count up to 350 colors and shades of amber. Plants and insects (flies, mosquitoes, spiders) frozen in it are of particular value to artists and jewelers. These inclusions create the most interesting visual images, reminiscent of the rays of the setting sun, or the foamy surf. Soft amber lends itself well to processing and polishing. Skilled craftsmen create jewelry of truly unique beauty from it.
Step 4
Since ancient times, amber has also been used as a remedy. It was cherished as a talisman that protected from diseases, was taken in powder form, used as a healing ointment and incense. As a result of modern research, it has been established that succinic acid has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, stimulates the activity of the kidneys and intestines, and is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. It is believed that amber was one of the components of the elixir of immortality.
