Amber Meaning and Properties
What is the History of Amber?
Blame it on Jurassic Park or the show Vikings—amber has captured imaginations for centuries. Among the Vikings, amber was believed to be the tears of Freyja, goddess of love and beauty. Her famed necklace, Brisingamen, was said to be made of gold and amber. To the ancient Greeks, amber was formed from the tears of Apollo’s daughters.
One of the most extravagant uses of amber in history was the Amber Room, a gift from Prussian King Frederick William I to Russian Czar Peter the Great. Eventually expanded to over 590 square feet and made with more than 13,000 pounds of amber, it mysteriously disappeared during World War II. A reconstruction was completed in St. Petersburg in 2003.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Amber?
Amber is believed to absorb negative energy and radiate a warm, calming presence—like mental sunshine. Yellow amber, in particular, is thought by some natural healers to support memory, mental flexibility and balanced decision-making.
Historically, amber was used as a talisman for courage and self-confidence. In some cultures, it symbolizes wisdom, endurance and the renewal of vows or promises. These amber properties have made it a popular gemstone across generations and traditions.
What Chakra is Amber?
Chakras are energy centers believed to influence physical and emotional wellness. Amber is most often associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra, located just above the navel. This chakra governs personal power, clarity and emotional balance.
Wearing chakra bracelets that feature amber is said to help support confidence, motivation and mental strength. Amber’s warm, golden tones resonate with the Solar Plexus energy, helping to revitalize and cleanse this powerful energy center.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) - Yellow
- Location: navel (belly button)
- Represents: personal power; anxiety; forming opinions; fear; introversion; personal control
- Emotional issues: self-image; self-confidence; self-worth; expansiveness; transitions from simple emotions to complex ones
- Spiritual issues: growth; spiritual progress
- Physical issues: metabolism; digestion; energy; pancreatic troubles
- Gemstones: amber, citrine, yellow calcite, tigereye
Learn more in the full guide to chakras and designing chakra bracelets: Chakras and Their Gemstones.
What is Amber Made From?
Amber (pronounced AM-bur) is fossilized tree resin—formed more than 50 million years ago from prehistoric pine forests. These trees produced resin as a natural defense against insects and fungus. Over time, the molecules hardened and cross-linked into the gem we know today.
Pliny the Elder documented amber’s static properties in 79 AD—its ability to generate an electrical charge when rubbed. Raw amber may contain insects, plant matter, or even mammal hair, which adds value and fascination to each unique piece.
Only about 15% of all mined amber is suitable for jewelry. The rest is often pressed into "amberoid," a manufactured form made under heat and pressure. Natural amber floats in saltwater and releases a pine scent when tested with heat—two methods used to distinguish it from synthetics.
Major amber sources include Poland, Germany, Russia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the U.S. East Coast.
- Mineral Information: Not applicable
- Chemical Composition: C₁₀H₁₆O
- Color: Light yellow to brown, red, nearly colorless, white, blue, black, greenish
- Hardness: 2 to 2.5 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 1.05 – 1.09 (up to 1.30)
- Refractive Index: 1.54
How Do You Clean Amber?
Amber properties make it delicate and require gentle care. Avoid steam, heat, ultrasonic cleaners and exposure to chemicals, perfumes, or alcohol. To clean amber, use room-temperature water with mild soap and soft cloth. Never expose it to open flame—amber is flammable.
To learn more about amber and other gemstones, order your copy of Walter Schumann's revised and expanded edition of Gemstones of the World.
Designing with Amber
Amber’s warm glow makes it a standout choice in jewelry. From beads and chips to polished drops and cabochons, amber pairs beautifully with gold, silver, pearls, or gemstones like carnelian and black onyx.
Because it is lightweight and soft, amber is ideal for silk-strung designs—especially when knotted between beads. It also adds a radiant, earthy touch to chakra bracelet designs and statement pieces alike.
Whether you're creating something bold or subtle, amber offers endless possibilities for timeless style.
A Few Design Inspirations to Get You Started
Shop for Amber
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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