Amber is the hardened, fossilized resin of ancient trees, prized for its golden color and the small pieces of prehistoric life it sometimes preserves. It is often called the “gold of the north.” The natural process that creates this unique substance is immensely slow, involving complex chemical and geological conditions over vast stretches of time. Given the high value and limited supply of genuine amber, a central question arises: can modern technology replicate this natural alchemy to produce an identical substance artificially?
The Formation Process of Natural Amber
The journey from sticky plant exudate to hard amber is a multi-stage process requiring specific environmental pressures. It begins when fresh resin is exuded from ancient trees, forming a viscous substance. This initial resin is chemically unstable and contains volatile compounds called terpenes, which must evaporate or degrade over time. As the resin is buried under sediment, it transitions into an intermediate, immature form known as copal. The final transformation to true amber, or succinite, demands sustained heat and intense pressure from overlying geological layers. This diagenesis causes the molecular structure to undergo polymerization and cross-linking, solidifying the material into a stable, inert polymer over millions of years.
Methods for Creating Artificial Amber
Manufacturers have developed various methods to create convincing imitations, as the natural process of amberization cannot be accelerated. These substitutes fall into two main categories: fully synthetic plastics and modified natural resins. The most common modern imitations are made from synthetic polymers, such as polyester or epoxy resins. These materials are liquid when mixed, poured into molds, and often dyed to achieve the characteristic yellow or orange color of amber.
A common tactic is the inclusion of a modern insect or other debris, which is carefully positioned to mimic a prized natural inclusion. These plastic fakes are chemically distinct from true amber. Historically, other synthetic compounds were used, including phenolic resins like Bakelite. These early plastics were popular for their ability to be molded and polished, offering a dark, uniform color. Materials such as celluloid and casein have also been employed in the past to craft items resembling the fossilized resin.
A more ambiguous imitation involves copal, the immature resin that is a precursor to true amber. Although copal is a natural material, it has not undergone full polymerization. To make it appear more like valuable amber, copal is often artificially aged using heat and pressure treatments. This modification process may stabilize the copal and even create internal stress fractures that resemble the “sun spangles” seen in some genuine amber.
Identifying Genuine Amber from Imitations
Several simple tests can determine the authenticity of amber without specialized laboratory equipment.
Density Test
One of the most reliable methods is the density test, which uses a saturated saltwater solution. Because genuine amber is lightweight, its specific gravity allows it to float in heavily salted water. In contrast, most plastic imitations and copal will sink.
Heat Test
A heat test, often performed using a heated needle, can provide valuable sensory evidence. When a hot needle is carefully pressed into a discreet spot on genuine amber, it should release a distinct, pleasant aroma of pine resin. In contrast, most synthetic plastics will emit the sharp, acrid smell of burning chemicals, and copal will often give off a sweeter, less pronounced resinous scent.
UV Light Examination
Examining the material under shortwave ultraviolet (UV) light provides another non-destructive test. True amber often exhibits a characteristic fluorescence, glowing with a pale blue or yellowish-green color. Many plastic fakes, however, will show little to no reaction under UV light, while treated copal may display a bright white fluorescence.
Visual Inspection of Inclusions
Visual inspection of any preserved inclusions is also important, particularly if an insect is present. Insects found in synthetic resin are often unnaturally large, perfectly centered, or appear to be modern species, as they were placed there intentionally. Genuine amber inclusions, however, are typically small, randomly positioned, and often appear distorted or fragmented due to the resin’s movement and the forces of fossilization.