Amber Sea is a popular destination for travelers looking to experience the seaside at its best. It is located just minutes from Singapore’s CBD, Marina Bay and Suntec City, and is a quick stroll from Katong Shopping Centre and Village Hotel Katong. It is also near upcoming Tanjong Katong MRT station and Parkway Parade, which will provide easy access to the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort.
Amber is a fossilized resin that originated from the pine trees of Northern Europe, specifically those growing in the region around the Baltic sea. These trees produce resin to protect them from insect and weather damage. When a tree is injured, the resin will flow out of the trunk and into the surrounding soil, where it can be stored for millions of years before being exposed to air and sunlight.
During this period, the climate in Northern Europe was warm enough to allow these trees to grow and produce resins. These resins eventually hardened to form amber, which was found in the area known as Amber Land, now part of Russia and Poland.
Today, the majority of amber is mined or collected from these regions of the world, particularly in Russia and Poland. The Baltic amber in particular, is often considered to be the “gold of the north” and the material that has captivated people for centuries.
The history of amber is as fascinating as the gem itself, and many people are intrigued by the myths behind its creation. The Ancient Greeks believed that it was formed from the tears of Phaethon, the son of Apollo, who drove the sun chariot carelessly through the heavens and destroyed Earth.
According to the legend, the Heliades, sisters of Phaeton, were transformed into poplar trees that grew along the bank of a river. They had to cry because they were mourning the loss of their brother, and the resulting tears turned into amber when they fell into the water.
Throughout history, Baltic amber has been used to create various pieces of art and jewelry. It can be used raw, polished, or treated by hand to give it more sparkle. Some artisans even use heat or pressure to alter its color.
Natural Baltic amber is available in a wide variety of colors. The most common is yellow, but honey amber and green amber are also quite popular.
Baltic amber can be opaque, translucent, or a combination of the two. Some of the more unusual Baltic amber, called pit amber, is found in pits and is a mixture of different materials.
This type of amber is often mixed with other types of minerals or gemstones to create unique colors. These include shades of green, blue, black, and brown. The oxidation process can also darken or concentrate the color, sometimes producing a reddish hue.
In the Middle Ages, Baltic amber was coveted by Christians who wished to make rosaries. It was banned from being collected by non-Christians, and craftsmen were given exclusive rights to work with it. They created a wide range of items from rosaries to crucifixes.