While most people think of amber as yellow, it comes in a surprising rainbow of colors! Some of these colors are rare and highly sought-after by collectors.
A clear yellow Dominican amber. This is what most amber looks like, if it is not full of inclusions. A green Mexican Amber, made by sapling trees. An extremely rare color, highly prized by collectors.
Some amber becomes red, due to oxidation or absorbing minerals while underground. A Red Mexican Amber is red due to oxidation. Less than one percent of amber found in Mexico is red. Very rare. Red is a frequent color for Indonesian amber, thanks to minerals.
Not all amber is golden! Forest fires can leave their smoky mark, turning some amber shades of blue. Underground, amber can also mingle with coal deposits, creating a bluish hue.
Other ambers will mix with the soil or tree roots to create unusual combinations.
Some ambers become white or yellow, due to bubbles inside.
Bone Amber: This captivating amber boasts a pearly white hue caused by millions of microscopic bubbles trapped within. Its rarity adds a special touch to any collection.
Butterscotch Amber: Baltic amber stuns with a unique, buttery color unlike any other. This treasure, exclusive to the Baltic region, possesses a certain level of rarity that collectors cherish.
While some amber boasts hidden secrets revealed only under UV light, like mysterious glowing shapes, these aren't always the most valuable.
Here's why:
Flow Lines: These lines, visible under UV, tell the story of the amber's formation. Often, trapped insects can be found along these lines, making them more sought-after.
Detritus Amber: This "low quality" amber appears dark due to trapped impurities. While less valuable, it offers a fascinating glimpse into nature's work, even if insects are rare finds here.
Clarity Matters: Clear yellow amber generally holds the most prized inclusions, like perfectly preserved insects.
So, even if your amber isn't crystal clear, its inner world can still be captivating!
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