Amber is most commonly found in the Dominican Republic or the Baltic region. However, smaller deposits can be found across the globe. The captivating gemstone has always caused an air of mystique whenever it is found washed up on the shore. Its journey is quite remarkable making Amber highly desirable. Scientists, gemologists, historians and jewellers are all fascinated by the fiery gem, from the journey it embarks on to where it ends up.
The Shores of the Baltic Sea
The majority of amber derives from the Baltic Sea coast, which is recognised today as Lithuania, Latvia, Russia (Kaliningrad) Poland, southern Sweden, northern Germany and Denmark. The Baltic region of northern Europe is responsible for around 80%-90% of the globes supply - that’s a lot!
Years and Years ago, the Baltic forest covered a huge area of the Baltic Sea and the Scandinavian Peninsula. As these trees decayed the fossilised resin would have been left behind and swept through streams and rivers towards Poland in very shallow waters.
It is thought that the Amber that is found at the shores of the Baltic Sea would have began its journey from the deltas of the Sambia Peninsula. It was one of the glaciers that occurred millions of years ago that helped Amber arrive in Poland.
Approximately 10,000 years ago, the glacier melted creating what we know as the Baltic Sea with the Amber staying at the sea bed due to the fresh water. However, once the Baltic Sea merged with the Atlantic, the saltwater allowed for the gemstone to float.
It’s impossible to miss the pride and love for Amber in Gdańsk with the warm glow of the gem consuming the city.
Hunt for Amber on the Beach
Amber can usually be found on the shore when the winds are high and strong. The turbulent weather disrupts the pieces of amber from the seabed and on to the beach. If you plan on looking for a fragment of amber yourself it’s best to check a tide calendar and always head out at low tide. Watch out, it can get very competitive on some shorelines after a fierce storm.
The best beaches to start are in Europe, especially Northern Europe, as they are well known for their deposits of Amber. Although, some coastlines and river banks across the world can be a brilliant place to look. Stroll along the tide line keeping a lookout for piles of seaweed. It’s well known that Amber becomes entangled in seaweed and debris.
If new to hunting Amber, it’s worthwhile knowing that what you found is actually the real deal. An easy test is to rub the gem against a sweater and then immediately hold it next to your arm hair. If they stand on end it is probably a genuine piece of amber.
This romantic yet painstakingly slow process would not satisfy the demand for amber for long. Mining was introduced in the early modern period due to the invention of industrial techniques, which has allowed for large amounts to be extracted. Apparently, during the first decades of the twentieth century a million pounds of Amber was taken from the blue earth layer of the Samland peninsula.
Amber Can Be Found Inland
Amber also lies hidden beneath the land. In many places, rather than using intrusive machinery there is a traditional technique that once finished the landscape looks left untouched. Nowadays, it is usually required to gain permission from the council to mine Amber that is in a field. The process is long yet once the Amber is exhausted the area is returned to its former state. Take a look.
- They very carefully remove the grass and top soil to replace at a later date.
- By using thin sheets of metal they create a large circle that measures five metres in diameter.
- Next they drive the circular sheets into the soil, which resembles a giant cookie cutter.
- Then they will fire up the generator to pump water than a huge hose, which is fixed to a long pole and pushed into the soil.
- The soil will begin to circulate causing for the Amber to come to the surface and acquired.
- Surprisingly it takes about 10 days for them to be certain that all Amber is found before trying another spot.
- To find the next location tiny bore holes will be drilled until a piece of Amber is uncovered.
In times before the war, Amber miners would locate the gem by watching the behaviour of birds or how the morning mist reacted and know exactly where to dig. Unfortunately, these incredible techniques have not been passed on to new miners.