Amber, fossilized tree resin, captivates with its warm glow and intriguing history. However, the market is flooded with imitations, making it crucial to understand how to distinguish genuine amber from its counterfeits. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to confidently identify real amber.
What is Amber and Why is it Difficult to Identify?
Amber is millions of years old, formed from ancient tree resin that hardened and fossilized over time. Its unique properties—varied colors, inclusions (trapped insects or plant matter), and specific density—contribute to both its beauty and the challenge of authentication. Many materials mimic amber's appearance, leading to frequent misidentification. The difficulty stems from the diverse appearance of authentic amber itself; no two pieces are exactly alike.
How to Tell if Amber is Real: A Multi-Sensory Approach
Identifying genuine amber involves a combination of visual inspection, tactile examination, and simple tests. Let's explore these methods:
1. Visual Inspection: Scrutinizing the Appearance
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Color and Transparency: Amber's color spectrum is vast, ranging from honey-yellow to deep red, even exhibiting greenish or bluish hues. Authentic amber often displays variations in color and transparency within a single piece. Uniform, artificial coloring should raise suspicion.
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Inclusions: While not all amber contains inclusions, the presence of trapped insects, plant matter, or air bubbles is a strong indicator of authenticity. These inclusions are often irregularly shaped and appear naturally embedded within the resin. Perfectly symmetrical or artificial-looking inclusions are common in fakes.
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Surface Texture: Genuine amber often possesses a slightly irregular surface texture. While polished pieces will be smooth, they usually lack the perfect uniformity found in synthetic imitations. Look for subtle variations and natural imperfections.
2. Tactile Examination: Feeling the Amber
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Weight: Genuine amber feels surprisingly warm to the touch, particularly when held for a short period. This is due to its relatively low thermal conductivity. Compare the weight to a piece of similar size glass or plastic—amber typically feels slightly heavier.
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Hardness: Amber is relatively soft compared to glass or stone. Carefully attempt to scratch the surface with a steel pin or knife—a genuine piece should show only minor scratching or no mark at all. Be cautious, as excessive scratching can damage the amber.
3. Simple Tests: Confirming Authenticity
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Saltwater Test: This is a widely used home test. Dissolve salt in water until it becomes saturated (no more salt will dissolve). Genuine amber will float, while many imitations will sink. This test is not foolproof, as some plastics might also float.
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Heat Test (Use Caution!): Briefly heat a pin or needle and carefully touch it to an inconspicuous area of the amber. Genuine amber will release a pleasant, slightly piney scent. Plastic or resin will often emit a harsh, unpleasant odor or melt. This test carries a risk of damaging the amber if performed incorrectly; proceed with extreme caution and only on a small, inconspicuous area.
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UV Light Test: Some types of amber fluoresce under ultraviolet light. While this isn't a definitive test, a lack of fluorescence can indicate a possible imitation. However, not all amber fluoresces under UV light, and some plastics do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are common amber imitations?
Common imitations include copal (younger resin), plastic, glass, and pressed amber.
How can I tell the difference between amber and copal?
Copal is a younger resin that's sometimes mistaken for amber. It's generally softer and less resistant to scratching than amber. The saltwater test can help distinguish them, as copal is often denser and will sink.
Is there a scientific way to test amber authenticity?
Yes, laboratories can conduct more precise tests, including refractive index measurements and spectroscopy, to determine authenticity. However, these tests are typically more expensive and time-consuming.
Where can I find reputable amber dealers?
Look for dealers with strong reputations, certifications, and detailed descriptions of their amber pieces. Check online reviews and testimonials before making a purchase.
By carefully employing these visual, tactile, and testing methods, you can significantly increase your chances of successfully identifying genuine amber. Remember that a combination of these techniques provides the most reliable assessment. If you have any doubt, it is always advisable to seek the opinion of a professional gemologist or amber expert.
