The English word amber derives from the Arabic 'anbar, via Medieval Latin ambar and Old French ambre. The word originally referred to a precious oil derived from the Sperm whale (now called ambergris).
The sense was extended to fossil resin circa 1400, and amber became the main sense as the use of ambergris waned. The two substances were confused because they both were found washed up on beaches.
Ambergris is less dense than water and floats; whereas amber is less dense than stone, but too dense to float. The word "ambar" was brought to Europe by the Crusaders.
In French "ambre gris" was then distinguished from "ambre jaune": ambre gris (gray amber) was ambergris; ambre jaune (yellow amber) was the fossil resin we now call amber.
Amber is discussed by Theophrastus, possibly the first historical mention of the material, in the 4th century BC. The Greek name for amber was ηλεκτρον (electron) and was connected to the Sun God, one of whose titles was Elector or the Awakener.
The modern terms "electricity" and "electron" derive from the Greek word for amber and come from William Gilbert's research showing that amber could attract other substances. The word "electron" was coined in 1891 by the Irish physicist George Stoney whilst analyzing elementary charges for the first time.
The presence of insects in amber was noticed by Pliny the Elder in his Naturalis Historia, and led him to theorize correctly that, at some point, amber had to be in a liquid state to cover the bodies of insects.
Hence he gave it the expressive name of succinum or gum-stone, a name that is still in use today to describe succinic acid as well as succinite, a term given to a particular type of amber by James Dwight Dana (see below under Baltic Amber).
Amber from the Baltic Sea has been extensively traded since antiquity and in the main land, from where amber was traded 2000 years ago, the natives called it glaes (referring to its see-through similarity to glass).
The astrological sign of amber is Geminis, Leos and Virgos it's gold color symbolizes success
Amber is not a Traditional Birthstone for any Month.
Amber is not the symbolic gemstone for wedding anniversary.
Amber is noted in metaphysics to give a soothing, light energy that is both calming and energizing at the same time. Amber is said to help manifest desires and heighten intellectual abilities, clarity of thought, and wisdom.
Amber is reputed to cleanse its environment by drawing out negativity, and to relieve physical pain the same way. Amber is used mystically to bring the energies of patience, protection, psychic shielding, romantic love, sensuality, purification, balance, healing and calmness to those who wear or carry it.
Amber is considered a good luck charm for marriage.
HEALING ENERGY PROPERTIES
Amber is excellent in crystal healing for inner child work and past life work. Amber is associated with the solar plexus chakra and sometimes the sacral chakra.
Mystical lore says that amber is beneficial for purifying the body, headaches, bone problems, heart problems, circulation, ears, hearing problems, endocrine system, fibromyalgia, intestinal/digestive disorders, kidney, bladder, lungs, and general healing purposes.