Identifying genuine amber from imitations can be tricky, as many convincing fakes exist. However, with a little knowledge and the right techniques, you can confidently distinguish the real deal from the imitations. This guide will equip you with the tools to determine the authenticity of amber, whether it's a piece of jewelry or a raw specimen.
What is Amber?
Before we delve into identification, let's briefly define amber. Amber is fossilized tree resin, typically millions of years old. Its unique properties stem from this ancient origin. Understanding these properties is crucial to identifying authentic amber.
How to Tell if Amber is Real: Key Tests and Techniques
Several methods can help you determine if a piece of amber is genuine. Remember that a combination of tests usually provides the most reliable results.
1. The Saltwater Test
This is perhaps the most common and easiest test. Because amber has a lower density than saltwater, it will float.
- How to do it: Prepare a concentrated saltwater solution (about 1 part salt to 3 parts water). Gently place the amber in the solution. Real amber should float; many imitations will sink.
2. The Heat Test (Use with Caution!)
This test should be done with extreme caution and only on a small, inconspicuous area. Amber will warm slowly to the touch when held in the hand.
- How to do it: Gently rub the amber between your thumb and forefinger. Genuine amber will slowly warm up. If it heats up rapidly, it is likely a fake. Warning: Excessive heat can damage amber. Do not hold it near a flame or expose it to intense heat.
3. The UV Light Test
Some types of amber fluoresce under ultraviolet (UV) light. This fluorescence can be blue, green, or white, depending on the type of amber.
- How to do it: Shine a UV light (both long-wave and short-wave) onto the amber. The fluorescence is not a guarantee of authenticity, but its absence can suggest a fake. Many imitations do not fluoresce under UV light.
4. Examining for Inclusions
Genuine amber often contains inclusions – small organic materials trapped inside the resin during its fossilization. These can include insects, plant fragments, or even air bubbles.
- How to do it: Examine the piece closely using a magnifying glass or a jeweler's loupe. The presence of well-preserved inclusions is a strong indicator of authenticity, though not all amber contains them.
5. Checking for the Smell
When heated gently, amber releases a distinctive piney or resinous scent.
- How to do it: Gently rub the amber and sniff it. A pleasant, slightly piney aroma is indicative of real amber. Be cautious not to overheat the amber. Note that this smell test is not conclusive on its own.
6. Inspecting the Surface
Genuine amber often shows natural imperfections, such as pits, small cracks, or variations in color. Perfectly smooth and flawless amber is usually suspicious.
- How to do it: Carefully examine the surface for irregularities. A natural look, with slight imperfections, is more likely to be genuine amber than a flawless piece.
What Materials are Often Mistaken for Amber?
Several materials mimic the appearance of amber. Knowing these impostors can help you in your identification process. Common imitations include:
- Plastic: Many plastics are cleverly designed to resemble amber.
- Copal: Copal is a younger, less fossilized resin that resembles amber but lacks its hardness and age.
- Glass: Glass can be colored and shaped to look like amber.
- Celluloid: An early plastic, celluloid can also be mistaken for amber.
Should I Have a Professional Examine My Amber?
For valuable or significant pieces, it's highly recommended to seek the assessment of a gemologist or amber expert. They possess the expertise and tools to conduct more advanced tests and definitively authenticate your amber.
This comprehensive guide provides various methods to identify genuine amber. Remember to use a combination of these techniques for the most accurate assessment. Always exercise caution when performing heat tests, and consult a professional for valuable or uncertain pieces.
