Authentic amber, fossilized tree resin, is a prized material valued for its beauty and history. Unfortunately, the market is flooded with imitations, making it crucial to know how to distinguish genuine amber from its counterfeits. This guide will provide you with several reliable methods to determine the authenticity of amber.
What are the Common Imitations of Amber?
Before diving into testing methods, it's important to understand what you're up against. Common imitations include:
- Copal: A younger resin that's often mistaken for amber. It's softer and less durable.
- Plastic: Many plastics mimic amber's appearance, particularly colored acrylics.
- Glass: Glass can be meticulously crafted to resemble amber, often with air bubbles added for effect.
- Pressing: This involves compressing amber dust or fragments with resin to create larger pieces. While technically still amber, it's significantly less valuable.
How to Tell if Amber is Real: Proven Methods
Here are several reliable tests to determine if your amber is genuine:
1. The Saltwater Test:
This is a classic and simple test. Genuine amber is less dense than saltwater.
- Procedure: Mix a solution of equal parts salt and water. Submerge your amber piece. Real amber will float; imitations will generally sink.
- Important Note: While this test is effective in eliminating many fakes, it's not foolproof. Some plastics and copal may also float.
2. The Hot Needle Test:
This test involves applying heat to the amber. Be extremely cautious with this method, as it can damage the piece.
- Procedure: Use a hot needle (not a lighter or flame directly) and gently touch the amber. Genuine amber will produce a slight pine-like scent, while plastic will smell acrid or burn with a harsh odor. Copal will also produce a smell, but it might be slightly different from amber.
- Caution: This is a destructive test, and it can leave a mark. It's best used as a last resort on pieces of low value or if you are working with a professional.
3. The UV Light Test:
Many types of amber fluoresce under UV light, emitting a bluish or greenish glow.
- Procedure: Expose the amber to a UV light (blacklight). Authentic amber often exhibits fluorescence, although the intensity varies depending on the type and age of the amber. This is not a definitive test, as some fakes can also fluoresce.
- Important Note: The absence of fluorescence does not automatically mean the amber is fake. Some types of amber do not fluoresce.
4. Examine for Inclusions:
Natural amber frequently contains inclusions – tiny insects, plant materials, or air bubbles trapped within the resin. While the presence of inclusions doesn't guarantee authenticity, their presence makes a compelling argument for genuineness.
- Procedure: Carefully inspect the amber with a magnifying glass or loupe. Look for irregularities and naturally occurring inclusions. Imitations often lack such detail and irregularities.
5. Check the Texture and Feel:
Genuine amber usually has a smooth, warm, and slightly waxy feel.
- Procedure: Touch and feel the amber. Plastics often feel hard and cold, while glass is noticeably heavier and denser.
6. Consider the Price:
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic amber, especially high-quality pieces, can be expensive. Be wary of exceptionally low prices.
7. Consult a Professional:
If you have doubts, seek the opinion of a gemologist or amber expert. They possess the expertise and tools to definitively authenticate your amber piece.
What if I still have doubts?
The combination of these tests significantly improves the chances of identifying genuine amber. Remember, no single test guarantees authenticity, but using several methods provides a comprehensive assessment. If you're still uncertain, consulting a professional is always recommended. Investing in a piece of jewelry you are uncertain about can lead to disappointment and financial loss. Better to be cautious and informed!
