AMBER, a substance analogous to the vegetable resins, and, in all probability, derived from an extinct coniferous tree, although now appearing, like coal, in connection with beds of which it is usually found, as a product of the mineral kingdom. It is usually of a pale-yellow color, sometimes reddish or brownish, is sometimes transparent, some times almost opaque. It occurs in round irregular lumps, grains, or drops; has a perfectly conchoidal fracture, is slightly brittle, emits an agreeable odor when rubbed, melts at 550° F., and burns with a bright flame and pleasant smell. It becomes nega tively electric by friction. and possesses this property in a high degree—which, indeed, was first observed in it, and the term electricity is derived from elektron, the Greek name of A. The specific gravity of A. is 1.0-1•1. It is ultimately composed of carbon 79, hydrogen and oXygen An acid called succinic acid (named 'from the Lat.
suceinum, amber) is obtained from it. A. had formerly a high reputation as a medicine, but the virtues ascribed to it were almost entirely imaginary. An antispasmodic volatile oil is obtained from it by distillation. A. is employed in the arts for the manufacture of many ornamental articles, and for the preparation of a kind of varnish. Great
quantities are consumed in Mohammedan worship at Mecca, and it is in great, demand throughout the east. It was obtained by the ancients from the coasts of the Baltic sea, where it is still found, especially between Konigsberg and Memel, in greater abundance than anywhere else in the world. It is there partly cast up by the sea, partly obtained by means of nets, and partly dug out of is bed of bituminous wood. It is found else where also in coal, and occasionally in diluvial deposits, as in the gravel near London; but it is very rare in Britain. It is obtained in small quantities from the coasts of Sicily and the Adriatic, and is found in different parts of Europe, in Siberia, Greenland, etc. It sometimes incloses insects of species which no longer exist. Leaves have also been found inclosed in it. Specimens which contain insects or leaves being much valued, fictitious ones are often manufactured and imposed upon collectors. According to an ancient fable, A. is the tears of the sisters of 'PhOtlion, who, after his death, were changed into poplars. The ancients set an immense value upon it. Pieces of A. have occasionally been found of 12 or 13 lbs. weight, but such pieces are extremely rare.