Authentic amber, fossilized tree resin, is a beautiful and valuable material. Unfortunately, the market is rife with imitations, making it crucial to know how to identify genuine amber. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to distinguish real amber from its counterfeits.
What is Amber, and Why is it So Valuable?
Amber is fossilized tree resin, millions of years old. Its unique properties, including its warm glow, variety of colors, and occasional inclusion of ancient insects or plant matter, make it highly sought after. This desirability, unfortunately, also makes it a target for forgers. Understanding the characteristics of real amber is the first step in avoiding costly mistakes.
How to Tell if Amber is Real: Key Identification Methods
Several methods can help determine if a piece of amber is authentic. Let's explore some of the most effective techniques:
1. The Saltwater Test:
This is a classic and reliable test. Amber has a lower density than saltwater.
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How to perform the test: Mix a saturated solution of salt and water (approximately 1 cup of salt per cup of water). Gently place the amber in the solution. Real amber will float, while most imitations (like plastic or glass) will sink.
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Important Note: This test isn't foolproof. Some treated amber or amber with high density might not float. Consider this test a preliminary screening method rather than definitive proof.
2. The Heat Test (Use with Caution!):
This test involves carefully heating a needle and touching it to the amber. Real amber will give off a distinct, slightly piney smell. However, this method carries a significant risk of damaging the amber. Only use this method on inconspicuous areas, and proceed with extreme caution.
- What to look for: A pungent, slightly acrid, and somewhat pleasant, piney scent indicates genuine amber. Plastic or resin imitations might melt or smell chemically pungent.
3. The UV Light Test:
Many types of real amber fluoresce under UV light.
- How to perform the test: Use a UV (ultraviolet) light, preferably a long-wave UV lamp (365nm), and shine it on the amber. Real amber often glows a bluish-white or a greenish-yellow hue. However, not all amber fluoresces, and some imitations might exhibit fluorescence as well, so this test should be used in conjunction with others.
4. The Friction Test (Static Electricity):
Amber naturally generates static electricity.
- How to perform the test: Rub the amber vigorously with a clean cloth. If it attracts small pieces of paper or lint, it indicates the presence of static electricity, a characteristic of genuine amber. Again, this isn't foolproof, and some imitations might also exhibit this property.
5. Examination for Inclusions:
This is perhaps the most reliable test for authentic amber.
- What to look for: Real amber often contains natural inclusions, such as insects, plant matter, or air bubbles. These inclusions are usually irregularly shaped and appear three-dimensional. Imitations rarely have such realistic inclusions. Examine the piece carefully with a magnifying glass if possible. Genuine inclusions are often trapped within the amber and don't lie flat against the surface.
6. Professional Appraisal:
If you're dealing with a piece of high value or are unsure of its authenticity, it's best to consult a professional gemologist or amber expert. They have the expertise and equipment to perform various tests and definitively determine the authenticity of your amber.
Is it Copal?
Sometimes, a piece of resin might appear similar to amber, but it is actually copal, a younger resin. Copal is softer than amber and can be identified using several of the tests above; the saltwater test is particularly useful in distinguishing copal from amber.
H3: What are the most common amber imitations?
The most common imitations are made from plastic, glass, or synthetic resins. These materials lack the unique characteristics of genuine amber and will typically fail several of the tests described above.
By carefully employing these methods, you can significantly increase your chances of correctly identifying real amber. Remember that combining several tests provides the most accurate assessment. If you are still unsure, consult a professional for a definitive answer.
