Interesting Facts about Amber
- The Romans used to pay much more for small amber amulets than for a healthy workforce such as slaves.
- 2. In 79 AD, Plinius wrote about how Italian women from the north of the country were wearing amber beads and amber necklaces.
- In order to protect himself against kidney stones, Martin Luther used to carry an amber piece in his pocket.
- In ancient China, amber was burnt during festivities and ceremonies in order to honor the guests and as a symbol of the host’s wealth.
- Mohammed believed that a true believer would make his praying beads from amber.
- Hippocrates, considered to be the father of healing, used amber against various ailments such as delirium tremens.
- Thales from Milet discovered amber’s electricity by rubbing a piece of amber against cloth. The rubbing resulted in sparks caused by amber’s attraction force of husks and small wooden splinters. That is why Greeks called it Elektra or Electron.
- Ancient civilizations such as Greeks, Romans and Stone Age sun worshippers all believed in amber’s healing and rejuvenating effects.
- Amber has been an ornamental stone since ancient times, due to its background, electric properties, warmth and aroma, color and luster.
- Ancient Greeks named amber Elektra, because of its electrical properties, and even the great Homer had amber in mind when describing the beautiful golden electron on his warrior characters’ shields.
