Amber Explained

Amber is the fossilized resin of pale yellowish or brown color. It is brittle and translucent and possessed of a resinous luster. It burns with a yellow flame, emitting a strong odor and considerable smoke, leaving an ash which is used as the basis of the finest varnish. Electricity was first discovered in this substance which becomes highly electric under friction. The Greek name for amber is electron, and from this the word electricity is derived. It is known that amber was once in liquid form, as the remains of insects are often found embedded in specimens. These remains tell us that amber is a product of a former geologic age, for all the insects preserved in it are of extinct species. Amber is found in the largest quantities on the Prussian coast of the Baltic sea, where it is sometimes cast up by the waves, but it is generally dug from a deposit of carbonized wood, which is from forty to fifty feet below the surface. It is usually found in small pieces, but occasionally lumps weighing twelve to fifteen pounds are obtained. Amber is quite extensively used in the manufacture of jewelry.