Why Amberbull?
Many people ask us why we named our kennel “AmberBull.” It is simple! The idea of this kennel name had come quite promptly. The “bull” part of it should be understandable and self-explanatory. What about “amber”? We believe that our dogs are like little pebbles of this fascinating gem. Amber ranges greatly in colour, representing a similarity to our dogs – from white to rare shades of dark brown. This stone possesses rarity and luxury; it can be seen as a jewel, somewhat sovereign; in a way this represents our Frenchies. Just like amber, we believe that our Frenchies stir the soul, delight the eye, and warm the heart!
THE LEGEND OF AMBER
One day Phaeton, son of Helios, the God of the Sun, managed to convince his father to allow him to drive his horse-drawn chariot down the firmament. The father agreed, but as soon as the horses felt that charioteer was inexperienced, they bolted.
The sun burnt the African land to ashes, tanning its inhabitants black. So as to prevent further damage, Zeus was forced to strike Phaeton with lightning into the river Eridanus. Phaeton’s sisters, the Heliades, lamented his face, cursing the gods. They were turned into poplar trees as punishment. Grieving, they kept crying. Their tears became resin, which turned into amber. Years later, the sea is still throwing the sisters’ amber tears onto the shore.
AMBER – FROZEN MOMENTS IN TIME
Amber has a deep fascination for people both as a gem and as a chance to look back into the past with a remarkable clarity. Amber begins as resin exuded from trees millions of years ago. Most known deposits of amber come from various tree species which are now extinct. Baltic amber was produced by a tree called Pinites succinifer, a tree sharing many characteristics of the currently living genus Pseudolarix. In appearance it would have looked something similar to a pine or spruce tree. The resin may have originally been used as a defensive mechanism against insect infestation or fungal attack. Once released from the tree the resin would begin to go through a number of stages in order to become amber.
Amber is one of the few precious substances on earth we consider a gem which is not of mineral origin. Diamonds and amber are the only gems of vegetative origin.
The colour range is extremely varied, ranging from near white through all shades of yellow, brown and red.
One of the most exciting and interesting aspects of amber are the inclusions which are found within it, both flora and fauna. The most frequent inclusions to be found in amber, particularly Baltic are examples of the order Diptera, or true flies. These tiny little flies would have lived on the fungus growing on the rotting vegetation of the amber forest of which no doubt there was enough to support an enormous population. It is this aspect of amber, these frozen moments in time which give us insight into the ecology of ancient times which makes it so fascinating and compelling to study.
There are some unusual and extraordinary things which infrequently turn up in amber. Occasionally a small lizard will be found, trapped and encased in amber.
Another unusual find are the remains of frog. Mammalian animals have left their mark in the amber record. Their hair can infrequently be found trapped as tufts or single strands. Even a set of mammalian molars (possibly a pig) were discovered in amber.
Amber is a strange and attractive gem. Its golden transparency lends it a quality which even diamonds do not share. For the artisan it provide a remarkable medium to work with and create some of the most beautiful objects for us to enjoy.
For the scientist it provides a glimpse into the past, a window into history.
QUICK FACTS
- Amber stores static electricity, named elektron by the ancient Greeks. Elektron evolved into the English term “electricity.”
- When rubbed, the gem attracts lint. Amber was used to remove lint by the Phoenicians & Etruscans & was therefore nicknamed “Straw Thief” in Turkey.
- Amber is the lightest weight & softest of all gems (a diamond is hardest). It is one of only a handful of gems of vegetative, not mineral, origin. The others are pearl, jet & coral.
- Amber is warm against the skin. In contrast, minerals and glass are heavier and cooler than room temperature. Stones like jade, lapis and turquoise feel cool or even cold to the touch, but amber feels warm. This, along with its obvious sunny colour, is why it is known as “sunshine” to Lithuanians.
- True amber is light enough to float in salt water, if not weighed down by other substances (like silver), but it won’t float to the top, it floats like soap would in a bathtub. This quality probably helped in its discovery—inhabitants of the Baltic Sea area can still find raw amber washed up on the shore after storms.
SYMBOLISM OF AMBER
Amber was first worn as a talisman of good luck.
Amber serves as a symbol of renewal in marriage & continued fidelity. It also represents an everlasting bond of eternal love. In some cultures, it evokes eternal life & youth.
Amber is an alternate birthstone for November, replacing topaz.
Amber has always been association with good luck & general protection,
particularly the ability to ward of the evil eye.
Amber is associated with the signs Leo and Aquarius.
In dreams, amber signifies a voyage.
Amber represents the tenth wedding anniversary.
Happy Hunting on your amber voyage!
