The Colours Of Amber
Amber is a gem material derived from the fossilized resin of ancient ‘Umbrella Pine’, among others, and occurs naturally in a variety of shades, colours, clarities and densities: from the commonplace yellow to the rare blue and most colours in-between. In fact, there are a total of 7 primary colours of amber and some 250 variations thereof which you'll find within a variety of baltic amber jewellery for kids and adults alike, including necklaces, anklets, bangles and bracelets.
Amber isn’t always just the one colour, either. Clear and translucent amber results from flowing and dripping resin, often featuring layers from continuing flow on already dried resin. While others feature two or more colours or patterns, making these some of the most unique - and sought after - pieces on the market.
What Gives Amber Its Colour?
Two major factors influence the colour of amber. The first of these is the inclusion of bubbles found within the resin. These bubbles block the light and limit its ability to pass through the amber. The more bubbles, the lighter the amber.The second is the tree source that the amber originates from, with recent research showing that some colours are only found in certain trees. Though this colour can also be modified by dying or heating the amber, making it much darker - or lighter - in the process. It's these bubbles, imperfections and smaller details that often typify genuine amber, and help you to distinguish fake amber reproductions from the real thing.
Did You Know? The shade or transparency of amber can change depending on the degree of oxidation within the baltic amber.
How Is The Colour Of Amber Determined?
It's important to note that GemePro analysis of amber is only possible with naturally occurring colours. While man made and other unnatural colours of amber can also be determined, they are often the results of modifications using common techniques, and expand the colours of Baltic Amber beyond its narrow selection of yellows, reds and browns.
Baltic Amber Colours
Red
Did You Know? Due to the rarity of Red Amber, it’s thought to have been worn exclusively by the rich and incredibly wealthy people of ancient times. Having been found in many historic graves.
Yellow
These bubbles refract the light as it passes through, and give the amber the trademark yellow colour that so many are familiar with. The more bubbles found within the amber? The lighter the shade of yellow it will be.
Did You Know? 1mm² of baltic amber can contain upwards of 2,500 gas bubbles. Each of them measuring a tiny 0.5 to 0.0025mm in diameter.
White
This rare White Amber is formed as the volatile materials of resin evaporate very intensively in the heat of the sun, and the resin turns to foam. Compared to Yellow Amber, 1mm² of White Amber can contain upwards of 1,000,000 (that’s million!) micro-bubbles, each measuring a miniscule 0.0001-0.0008mm in diameter.
Did You Know? During ancient times, White Amber was often used to produce expensive medicines to treat heart conditions and ailments.
Blue
To the naked eye, this blue colouring can be difficult to spot. Often appearing brown or yellow on first inspection. It’s when you hold this amber in the right light that it can be fully appreciated. This Blue Amber - making up just 0.2% of Amber worldwide - also contains fluorescents, which turns the amber a bright, vibrant blue when it’s exposed to fluorescent light.
Did You Know? Blue amber is rarely found in the Baltic region. Instead, it’s most commonly found in the amber mines in the mountain ranges around Santiago, in the Dominican Republic.
Green
Green Amber is formed when resin falls onto plants, where the resin reacts with the chlorophyll pigment found within the plant itself. Its creation isn’t always natural, though ; it’s often manufactured manually through the process of heating yellow amber.
Did You Know? Throughout history green amber was revered for its supposed ability to grant immortality and good luck to its wearers.
Black
As a result of its small percentage of amber, Black Amber is softer and more fragile than other colours, and is therefore more difficult for amber artisans to work with. If the craftsman or artisan keeps part of the natural shape when sanding the raw amber, the crust or inclusions give the finished product a natural variety of multi-colour tones. B
Did You Know? Black amber makes up 10-15% of amber found worldwide.