The amber is a tree resin partially fossilized, it contains among other many components those derived of the acid succínico that takes place during the distillation. It comes from pines, coniferous or leguminous plants (guapinol) that date from 40 million years ago, and that with the time they petrified and formed irregular masses inside the sand strata and slates clays of the Tertiary age.

The amber is presented in grains, drops or masses of different dimensions and forms, sometimes rough and cracked superficially, its color goes from the orange to the light brown to the dark brown, sometimes green, violet or black. In the interior fossils of extinguished animal species and vegetables are sometimes included that are perfectly visible for their transparency.

The main amber locations in Mexico are in the state of Chiapas, in the municipalities of Simojovel and Totolapan. The amber is not a mineral, it has an organic origin and amorphous structure; it is soft, light and very fragile; it is the splintery fracture, it is sculpted easily, it is between transparent and translucent with resinous shine. It doesn't float on the water, it burns with a brilliant flame and it emits a pleasant scent similar to incense. Soluble in alcohol and insoluble in water.

Among the Mexicas it was used as a personal decoration as element of social distinction among the merchants pochtecas, members of the high class, warriors and valiant men. Among the Mayan it was a luxurios article; the pieces of this material were manufactured as articles for decoration, cult or funeral rite.

The amber of Simojovel is used to make small crosses, hands, necklaces, tears and other forms that re used in the region like amulets to protect the children against the bad vibes. The amber is also used as medicine for cures in certain illnesses. The natives that live in the surroundings of Simojovel attribute healing properties of the amber, they buy it in powder and they burn it in a brazier.

In San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, you can visit the new Museum of the Amber that is in the former-convent of "la Merced", for further information visit our webpage on San Cristóbal.