Amber (thing)

A few notes on amber:

• The newer the amber, the darker it is. Opaque amber is about 60 million years old, becoming transparent after about 120 million years.
• The present day name comes form the Arabic "anbar".
• The Greeks called it elektron. This comes from the Phoenician word for sun. This is the root of english words like "electricity," as amber holds a static charge.
• Amber dissolves in acetone.
• Ambler has many magical uses:
  • Ground amber mixed with a liquid is used to treat eyes, ears, and the digestive system.
  • The fumes of burning amber helps a woman's labor go well.
  • Holding amber helps a someone with a fever stay cool.
  • Amber beads prevent rheumatism, toothaches, jaundice and rickets.