What actually is amber rock?

So, what is amber made of?

To put it simply, all kinds of amber are fossilised tree sap. Millions of years ago, trees oozed sticky resin to protect themselves from bugs and disease. This resin hardens when it comes into contact with the air, but with pressure underground and time it turns into hard, translucent natural amber.

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At Treestem we mainly focus on Baltic amber, which comes from Northern European ancient forests, known for its warm, honey colour.  There are other kinds of amber like Dominican amber, from the Caribbean, is known for its clarity and sometimes has a greenish hue. These different types of amber can give us clues about ancient climates and ecosystems.

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The most exciting thing about amber is that not only is it perfect for elegant, beautiful jewellery. But there can also be fossils in amber from preserved insects, plants, and even small animals. These inclusions offer a glimpse into the past, allowing scientists to study ancient life.

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Although we don’t sell insects entombed in amber fossils, as we focus on the beauty aspects of amber itself, we do still stock the symbolism! Check out the sunlit dragonfly pendant and carry a part of amber’s history with you.

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Where can you find amber?

The ancient Greeks were on the right track when it came to understanding where amber is found. Most of the world’s amber resins come from the Baltic region of Northern Europe, exactly where Greek mythology believed there to be a body of water, just lacking the technology to properly discover it and map it.

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The rich Baltic amber deposits are testament to the unique geological and environmental conditions millions of years ago that supported Baltic amber formation. Part of this reason is the geographic location of the Sambia Peninsula where the Baltic sea turns Northward, with currents dropping plenty of amber, meaning there is a naturally rich deposit in this small area of the world where it can be found on beaches as well as mined.

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This connection with the Baltic region shows us no surprises when they have their own mythological traditions about the origin of amber too! Check out our amber trail bracelet and follow the historical trail too!

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A fossil fashion statement

Amber, a captivating blend of science and myth, continues to fascinate us with its beauty. It’s more than just a gemstone; it's a time capsule. From the Baltic coastlines to the ancient Greek myths, amber's journey is as intriguing as its formation.

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So, the next time you admire a piece of amber jewellery, remember the millions of years of history it holds. Check out our products today; you're carrying a piece of the Earth's ancient past.

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