Amber, fossilized tree resin, has undergone millions of years of polymerization and hardening. This organic gemstone captures the essence of ancient forests, preserving organic matter and even tiny organisms within its golden depths. Its natural beauty and unique properties have made it a sought-after material for jewelry and decorative objects for centuries.
Why Authenticity Matters
Verifying amber’s authenticity is important, given its value as a natural gemstone. True amber often commands a higher price, making it a target for misrepresentation in the market. Authentic amber holds significant historical and scientific importance, sometimes containing ancient inclusions that provide insights into prehistoric ecosystems. Distinguishing genuine amber from imitations helps protect consumers from fraudulent purchases and preserves the integrity of this unique natural material.
Non-Destructive Home Tests
Simple, non-destructive tests can help determine if amber is real without causing damage. Begin with a visual inspection, looking for natural imperfections like small, round or elongated air bubbles, and an organic glow. Uniformity and a lack of natural irregularities can often suggest an imitation.
Real amber feels warm to the touch and is surprisingly light for its size, especially when compared to glass or plastic. This lightness is due to its relatively low density. Gently rubbing amber on a soft cloth for 30 to 60 seconds should generate static electricity, allowing it to pick up small pieces of paper or hair. This friction can also produce a faint, pleasant piney scent, characteristic of genuine resin.
The saltwater buoyancy test is another reliable method. Prepare a solution by dissolving 7 to 8 teaspoons of salt in one cup of water, ensuring it’s completely dissolved. When placed in this highly saline solution, real amber should float, while most imitations, such as glass or plastic, will sink due to their higher densities.
Slightly More Involved Tests
For a more definitive assessment, some involved tests can be performed, though they carry a small risk of minor damage. The hot needle test involves heating a needle until red-hot, then touching it to an inconspicuous spot on the amber. Authentic amber will emit a distinct piney smell and will not melt or stick easily to the needle, whereas plastic imitations will produce a chemical odor and may melt or deform. This test should be done with caution and on a hidden area of the piece.
Using a UV light can also provide valuable clues about amber’s authenticity. Real amber often fluoresces with a blue or greenish glow under longwave ultraviolet light. This reaction is a result of organic compounds within the fossilized resin absorbing UV radiation and re-emitting it as visible light. The intensity and color of the fluorescence can vary depending on the amber’s origin and specific composition.
Another test involves applying a small drop of acetone or rubbing alcohol to a discreet area. Authentic amber will remain unaffected, showing no stickiness or dissolution. In contrast, many plastic imitations or less mature resins like copal will become tacky or even slightly dissolve when exposed to these solvents. Perform this test on a hidden part of the piece to avoid visible alteration.
Common Materials Mistaken for Amber
Several materials are commonly mistaken for amber, necessitating careful identification. Copal, an immature resin that has not fully fossilized, is one such material. It often appears clearer than true amber, feels softer, and typically fails the hot needle test by melting or producing a less distinct, more chemical odor. Copal also tends to be more susceptible to damage from acetone.
Glass is another frequent substitute for amber, easily distinguished by its coldness to the touch and its greater weight compared to a similarly sized piece of amber. Unlike amber, glass cannot be scratched with a knife and lacks the natural inclusions or air bubbles characteristic of fossilized resin. Its uniform appearance also contrasts with the often varied internal structures found in genuine amber.
Various plastics, including celluloid and phenolic resin, imitate amber. These plastics often have a uniform appearance and a heavier feel than real amber. When subjected to the hot needle test or rubbed vigorously, they typically emit a distinct, unpleasant chemical smell rather than the natural piney aroma of true amber.