Amber is very different from stones and minerals. It is translucent, so we can admire the inclusions as "windows into primeval times". The Teutons called it "Glesum" from which the word glass is derived.
For the ancient Greeks amber was called "Electron". When they rubbed it over their clothes, dust stuck to the amber as it is static. For this reason, its name was given to electrons and electricity.
The German name developed from the old name "Börnstein" because this "stone" is flammable – and even smells good when it burns. It melts at temperatures around 170 °C and can therefore be easily formed. If the salt content of the water exceeds 150 g per litre, for example in the sea, amber swims or floats on it. Therefore, it can easily be fished in the waves or collected on the beach after a storm.