In this video we will take a closer look at how the rare gemstone called amber is created, And in the end, I will share some tips on how to find some of these shiny orange rocks yourself.
If you are only here for the tips on hunting for amber, you can skip to the timestamp that's shown on the screen right now.
Just like humans or animals, trees, are living things which over time evolved to be stronger and more resilient to their environment, to predators and to disease.
This is usually done by growing thicker bark, thorns or changing in a way that prevents premature death, or increased reproduction.
Some 50 million years ago however, the family of trees called Pinaceae, started excreting a sticky and dark orange colored substance, Which gave them a very useful defense against pesky little insects trying to infiltrate into the stump.
The resin, which is produced in the center of the stump, slowly flows outwards to seal any holes or scratches in the bark.
The resin is self-hardening, so that after it filled the trees wounds, it prevents external influences from entering the bark.
Its antiseptic properties prevent infectious disease from entering and the stickiness prevents chewing insects from further harming the tree.
The resin hardens with roughly the same principle as superglue turns from a liquid to a solid material.
Volatile molecules such as oils, acids, and alcohols keep the organic compounds in short chains, meaning that the material is liquid.
