Amber is neither a crystal nor a mineral. It is the hardened sap of an ancient tree. It started out as resin secreted to heal a wound. The resin protected the tree from a certain death by making a sticky, protective barrier against fungus. When the tree eventually fell and began to decay, the sap remained. Buried under layers of vegetation, earth and, sometimes, water, the sap continued to harden from the pressure and heat that naturally builds up in such conditions. This fossilized resin is the final product of millions of years of slow processing.
In theory when baby wears one, his body heat triggers the release of a minute amount of oil that contains succinic acid, which is absorbed into the bloodstream. When the oil is absorbed, advocates say, it has an analgesic effect on swollen, sore gums.
These bracelets are approx 15 cm long.