Amber

Amber was formed from the fossilised resin of pinetrees millions of years ago. Some amber dried with insects and other small creatures inside it, and such specimens are highly valuable. The colour 'amber' comes from this gemstone, and it is one of the most light weight gemstones. Although most amber is a honey yellow-orange colour, Blue Amber can be found in the Dominican Republic, and will glow blue under UV light. Amber has been prized by many civilisations and used as currency and for medicine. It was so valued in medieval times, that unauthorised possession of amber was punishable by death. As a medicine, it was ground up and taken as an elixir, and is still used in Western and Chinese medicine today.