Amber is produced from a marrow discharged by trees belonging to the pine genus,... It is a liquid at first, which issues forth in considerable quantities, and is gradually hardened [...] Our forefathers, too, were of opinion that it is the juice of a tree, and for this reason gave it the name of succinum, and one great proof that it is the produce of a tree of the pine genus, is the fact that it emits a pine-like smell when rubbed, and that it burns, when ignited, with the odor and appearance of torch-pine wood. [Natural History. Book 37.XI]
That did not mean, however, that he did not make note of its supposed special properties:
... Amber, indeed, is supposed to be a prophylactic against tonsillitis and other affections of the pharynx, for the water near the Alps has properties that harm the human throat in various ways.
Pliny also notes that "It is of benefit to babies when it is attached to them as an amulet." Amber was commonly used as magical amulets or talismans, either carved into a significant shape, or inscribed with a phrase that provided protection. The one shown here of a mother and child might have been designed to promote the health and welfare of mother and child.
Another quality was noted in an article on the Getty website. "Amber could also symbolize constancy. Amber necklaces were gifts for brides, mortal and immortal, as the ancient sources tell us." [link] This is interesting because amber, unlike other precious and semiprecious materials, starts out with a luster from polishing that is very attractive, but is anything but constant. Amber loses its luster and translucency over time, and amber items carved centuries ago are nowhere near as attractive to look at as they were at the time of creation.
Despite Pliny, the Middle Ages still looked to a link between amber and the sun, due to its golden color (when new). The most prominent belief was that amber was protection against negative influences, warding off evil spirits and bringing good luck.
The type of magic mentioned in the previous paragraph—intended to ward off evil spirits or other harmful influences—is called apotropaic magic, and has been very popular throughout history. Let's take a look at some examples tomorrow.