Jami is a crystal shop run by a sweet couple called João AMetista and Ida (hence Jami). They write into The Portugal News every month and slowly but surely ease us into the world of crystals - giving us one sparkly stone to reflect on at a time.

Their shop, located in downtown Faro, is usually full of all kinds of wild and wonderful gemstones. However, having recently had a little baby girl called Luz (‘Light’ in Portuguese) they decided to shut the shop for a few months to get to grips with being new parents - but also to create more space to come back with even more crystals.

In the meantime, you can still order things online and if you would like to find out more please follow them on Facebook (@Jami - Healing Energy) or Instagram (@jami_minerals) or visit their website www.jami.pt.

Amber

Amber is a fossil resin, considered a mineraloid, which contains other fossils preserved in the resin and is an example of mummification (or conservation).

Smaller animals such as insects, spiders and small lizards, when trapped in the resin secreted by certain trees, remain largely intact for millions of years.

The resins produced by the plants acted as protection against the action of bacteria and against the attack of insects that pierced the bark until reaching the heart of the trees.

The resin that came out of the wood ended up losing the air and water inside. Over time, the organic substances that form amber end up polymerizing, thus forming a hardened resin that is resistant to time and water.

Where is it found?

The production of resins dates back to the Paleozoic, in the Carboniferous period (359 million and 299 million years ago), but from the Triassic onwards a greater abundance of amber is found in the geological record. Most amber is extracted from the Baltic Sea. Although it can occur in small amounts in other regions of the world.

What are the benefits?

In the form of an elixir, it is useful in healing wounds and is an excellent natural antibiotic. To perform the elixir, simply place the amber in the water to energize it, and drink the energized water daily. It ensures fertility and fights impotence.

Until the age of 4, the human being does not have the lower energetic points (chakras) fully functioning, and the solar plexus chakra, located in the pancreas region, is responsible for the connection to the earth and the safety instinct, for this reason, amber is used, mainly in necklaces and bracelets, in babies and children as an energy shield to protect against negativity and to strengthen the immune system.

In animals and plants, it also ensures healthy growth and development.Jami is a crystal shop run by a sweet couple called João AMetista and Ida (hence Jami). They write into The Portugal News every month and slowly but surely ease us into the world of crystals - giving us one sparkly stone to reflect on at a time.