Amber

This is not strictly a gemstone but a fossilized form of resin derived from various coniferous trees. It is found in many colours and may be both translucent or opaque. The rarest specimens are those enclosing insects of extinct species and leaves trapped in the sticky exudations of the tree.

Amber occurs practically everywhere in the world, but not in large quantities. It is most abundant, however, in the Baltic regions of Northern Europe.

Unlike most other stones, its impurities actually increase its value, but be suspicious of so-called "pressed" or "compressed" amber.

It is generally cut en cabochon or left in its original shape and simply polished. Ever since ancient times, it has been used for making beads for necklaces and bracelets.

It is widely used in Muslim countries for the famous rosaries.