This is a popular account of the geological origin, composition, and use of amber from ancient to modern times. The popular gem stone was extruded as sap from pine trees of the Tertiary period of northern Europe. Various insects, pollen, leaves, flowers, small animals, and raindrops were caught in the amber as it formed. Human use of amber dates at least to 3200 B.C., by which time amber beads were placed in Egyptian tombs of the Sixth Dynasty. Ancient trade routes have been traced through archaeological finds from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean area. Use of amber is documented historically from Greek and Roman times on. Today, amber is a relatively inexpensive gem, but requires careful lapidary work to avoid scratching.