Amber, Petrified Baltic (Succinum sp.)

Unit size: 1 ounce

Origin: Russia and Baltic region

Form: Petrified resin pieces

Other names: Electrum, Elektron, Ambar, Ambre

Esoteric Uses: Creativity, success, fortune, happiness, celebration, competitions

Esoteric Associations: Sun, Fire

Incense Aroma: A rather neutral aroma from this true amber - it produces lots of smoke

The Greek name for amber was elektron, "formed by the sun", and it was connected to the sun god Helios, one of whose titles was Elector or the Awakener. According to the myth, when Helios' son Phaëton was killed, his mourning sisters became poplars, and their tears became the origin of elektron, amber. The ancients also noted that if they rubbed the amber for long enough, they could even get an electric spark to jump. Our word electricity comes from their word for Amber.

Amber is usually associated with Fire and the Sun. This true petrified Amber form the Baltic region may not smell as good as our semi-petrified Amber from China, but it is perfect for those needing a true petrified Amber. It burns well, but does not have much of an outstanding aroma. It is probably of more interest to the varnish maker rather than the incense maker.