Identifying genuine amber from imitations can be tricky, but with a few simple tests and a keen eye, you can significantly increase your chances of spotting the real deal. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to distinguish authentic amber from its clever counterfeits, focusing on both visual inspection and practical tests.
What is Amber?
Before we dive into identification, let's understand what amber truly is. Amber is fossilized tree resin, millions of years old. This long period of fossilization gives it unique properties that distinguish it from other materials often mistaken for it. It's not a stone or a mineral, but rather a hardened organic substance. This organic origin is key to several of the tests we'll discuss.
Visual Inspection: Clues to Authenticity
A careful visual examination often provides the first clues to whether a piece is genuine amber.
1. Color and Inclusions:
- Varied Colors: Authentic amber comes in a wide range of colors, from honey-yellow and orange to reddish-brown, even green or blue in rare instances. A consistently uniform color, especially if it's an unusual bright shade, might be a red flag.
- Natural Inclusions: Many pieces of real amber contain inclusions – trapped insects, plant matter, or air bubbles. These inclusions are often irregularly shaped and positioned, adding to the piece's unique character. Perfectly symmetrical or suspiciously uniform inclusions suggest a forgery.
2. Surface Texture and Luster:
- Warm, Resinous Luster: Genuine amber typically possesses a warm, resinous luster – a slightly oily shine. Plastic imitations often have a glassy or plastic-like sheen.
- Surface Imperfections: Real amber often exhibits minor surface imperfections, scratches, or pits from its long history. A flawlessly smooth surface might raise suspicion.
Practical Tests for Amber Authenticity
While visual inspection helps, certain tests provide stronger evidence of authenticity.
3. The Saltwater Test:
This is a widely used, reliable test. Amber is less dense than saltwater, so it will float.
- How to perform it: Prepare a saturated saltwater solution (dissolve as much salt as possible in water). Gently place the amber piece in the solution. If it floats, it's likely real amber. If it sinks, it's probably a fake.
4. The Heat Test (Use Caution!):
This test requires extreme caution and should be performed only on a small, inconspicuous area. Authentic amber will heat up slowly and smell faintly of pine resin when rubbed gently with a heated needle. (Do not hold a lighter directly to the piece.) Plastics will melt or burn rapidly and emit a harsh chemical odor.
5. The UV Light Test:
Some types of amber fluoresce under UV light, emitting a bluish or greenish glow. However, this test isn't foolproof, as some fakes might also fluoresce. This test should be used in conjunction with other methods.
6. The Friction Test:
Rubbing amber against a piece of wool or fur can create a static charge, causing it to attract small pieces of paper or lint. While this isn't conclusive on its own, it can be a supporting indicator.
What if it fails some tests?
If your piece fails one or more tests, it doesn't automatically mean it's fake. There are variations in amber properties, and some pieces may not respond consistently to all tests. However, if it fails multiple tests, it is highly likely that the piece is an imitation.
Where to buy amber for confidence:
For the most confident purchase of real amber, seek reputable jewelers and amber specialists who can provide certifications of authenticity. Online marketplaces can be risky, so thorough due diligence is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
How can you tell the difference between amber and copal?
Copal is a younger, less fossilized resin. While visually similar, it’s softer and will dissolve more easily in organic solvents like acetone. It also fails the saltwater test.
Is there a chemical test to identify amber?
Yes, sophisticated laboratories can perform chemical analysis to determine the composition and age of a sample definitively. This method, however, is not readily available for casual buyers.
Why are some amber pieces so cheap?
The price of amber varies significantly based on factors like color, clarity, size, and inclusion. Lower-quality, less visually appealing pieces, or those from less reputable sources, will typically be cheaper. This is often a warning sign. Be wary of incredibly low prices.
By carefully considering these visual cues and employing the various tests, you can significantly enhance your ability to distinguish authentic amber from its imitations. Remember that a combination of methods gives the most accurate assessment. Always prioritize purchasing from reputable sources to minimize the risk of acquiring a fake.
