From sunken insects to furniture varnish: 7 curiosities about amber

Amber, with its warm glow and unique charm, has fascinated people all over the world for centuries. It is one of those materials that hides many secrets and curiosities that many of us may not know about. We have prepared for you a compilation of the most interesting facts about amber, which will not only amaze, but also inspire you to explore its history and secrets.

The largest lump of amber

Let's start with an impressive record — the largest lump of amber ever found. This unique lump weighs as much as 64.2 kg and was discovered in northern Sumatra. This is an amazing find that testifies to how many sizes and forms amber can occur in nature.

The lump was taken to the Amber Museum in Gdańsk. On June 28, 2022, on World Amber Day, the lump was measured and weighed, which made it possible to officially set the Guinness World Record for the largest lump of amber in the world.

The oldest jewelry made of amber

Amber jewelry has accompanied humanity for thousands of years. The oldest found ornaments made of amber date back to the Stone Age. They were discovered in what is now Germany and Denmark and are dated to the Neolithic period, about 6000-8000 years ago.

These unique finds prove how long man has been fascinated by this natural material and how early it began to be used for ornamental purposes.

Unusual inclusions

One of the most fascinating features of amber are inclusions, which are small fragments of plants, insects and other organisms that were trapped in amber millions of years ago.

The largest and best-known inclusion is the remains of a gecko, which are about 54 million years old. Such finds are not only beautiful, but they also provide a valuable source of information for paleontologists studying life on earth millions of years ago.

What does amber smell like?

Amber also has its place in the world of perfumes. Its characteristic fragrance is appreciated by perfumers all over the world. The amber fragrance is warm, sweetish and balsamic, which makes it the perfect ingredient for creating luxurious and sensual perfumes.

The smell of heated amber is characterized by a beautiful, resinous note, however, in the cold it does not give off a strong smell. Therefore, in perfumery, the smell of amber is treated as an “imaginary” and artificially reconstructed note.

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The Eighth Wonder of the World

Amber has also found its place in the art world. The most famous example is the Amber Chamber - a lost treasure, which was considered the eighth wonder of the world. The chamber was created on the territory of Prussia in the 18th century and was entirely lined with amber panels. Unfortunately, during the Second World War it was looted and its fate remains unknown to this day.

Amber in the world

Amber can be found in many places around the world. The largest reserves of amber are found in the Baltic Sea region, especially in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, as well as in Russia. However, amber is also found in other parts of the world, such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic or the aforementioned Burma. Amber from each region has its own unique characteristics, which makes it even more interesting.

Amber and industry

Amber is not only used for manufacturing and ornaments — throughout history, amber has also found application in various industries. It was used in the production of varnishes and paints. Its positive impact on the appearance of wooden surfaces was especially appreciated. Currently, amber is no longer used in the production of varnishes, however, knowledge of this practice has not disappeared, and even several attempts have been made to recreate it.

summary

Amber is an unusual material that hides many secrets and fascinating stories. From the largest lumps, to ancient inclusions, to its use in medicine and perfume, amber never ceases to amaze and inspire. Its unique properties and versatility make it valued not only as an ornament, but also as a valuable material in various areas of life. It is certainly worth exploring its secrets and discovering how much it has to offer.

Illustrations:

1. Inclusion with gecko. Source: thoughtnova.com

2. Weighing the largest lump of amber. Fig. Grzegorz Mehring.

3. Amber Neolithic Jewelry. Source: The National Museum of Denmark

4. Creating perfume. Source: Unsplash.com

5. Amber chamber. Source: muzeumbursztynu.pl

6. Mexican amber. Source: nakedcrystalz.com

7. Attempt to recreate the lacquer using amber, by students of the V&A Academy in London. Source: vam.ac.uk

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