Reference: Amber

The translation 'amber' is much questioned, a metallic substance being generally considered more probable. Prof. Ridgeway (Encyc. Bibl., s.v.) has, however, shown that amber may well have been known to Ezekiel. The amber commonly seen is the opaque yellow variety from the Baltic, a resinous substance changed by long submersion in the sea. It is a favourite ornament, in necklaces and bracelets, in the Orient, especially among Jewesses, and is credited with medicinal virtues.

E. W. G. Masterman.