1. Historical Origins

The formation of beeswax amber is a long and wondrous natural process. Geological research indicates that amber first formed during the Cretaceous period, around 100 million years ago, with the latest formations occurring during the Miocene epoch, approximately 20 million years ago. The resin of ancient coniferous trees, under specific geological conditions and subjected to tens of millions of years of pressure and heat within the earth's layers, gradually fossilized to form amber deposits.

During its formation, amber endured natural trials such as crustal movements, uplift, erosion, sun exposure, rain, glacial flows, and river impacts. Some amber was exposed to the surface, becoming sea amber or lake amber, while other pieces were reburied underground, forming mine amber. Over the vast expanse of geological time, amber was influenced by surrounding organic and inorganic matter in the soil and water, as well as environmental factors such as sunlight and geothermal heat, resulting in a rich variety of color transformations.

l Origin and Evolution of the Name

The origin of the name "蜜蜡" (mìlà, beeswax amber) has several explanations. The most widely circulated one is "its color resembles honey, its luster resembles wax," vividly describing the warm, soft, and mellow characteristics of amber. Another theory suggests that "蜜蜡" may derive from the Chinese transliteration of the name of the Buddhist Maitreya Buddha, evolving from the Sanskrit "Maitreya" to the Tocharian "mila," and then phonetically adapted into Chinese as "蜜蜡."

In ancient China, amber was known by various names, such as "虎魄" (hǔpò), "琥珀" (hǔpò), "珀" (pò), "遗玉" (yíyù), "江珠" (jiāngzhū), "顿牟" (dùnmóu), "育沛" (yùpèi), and "红松香" (hóngsōngxiāng). These names reflect differences in terminology across eras and regions.

l Early Discovery and Use

Human utilization of amber dates back to the Paleolithic Age. In China, the earliest recorded mention of amber is found in the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" (《山海经》). The "Southern Mountains" scroll records: "Among them, there is much 育沛 (yùpèi, amber); wearing it prevents ailments," indicating that amber was abundant in the mountainous regions of ancient southern China and that early inhabitants recognized its medicinal properties.

During the Han Dynasty, the use of amber became more widespread, primarily among the imperial family and nobility for ornamental purposes. Unearthed Han-era amber artifacts mostly include beads of various shapes—such as round, oval, and irregular rectangular—as well as distinctive items like reclining beast-shaped ornaments, "胜"-shaped ornaments, and seals.

 2.Symbolism & Value

Beeswax amber has held a revered status in the world's major civilizations. In ancient Egypt, it was used to create jewelry, ornaments, and containers for preserving spices, symbolizing social status. During the Greek and Roman eras, amber became a fundamental ingredient in perfume making, representing luxury and nobility.

In traditional Chinese culture, amber is regarded as a symbol of auspiciousness, wealth, and power. Ancient nobility often wore amber accessories to signify their identity and status. Amber is also one of the Seven Treasures in Buddhism. In Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed to possess the power to ward off evil and calm the spirit, and is often crafted into prayer beads and amulets.