Amber, a fossilized resin that dates back millions of years, is a beautiful and unique gemstone highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and historical significance. Due to its popularity, the market is flooded with both genuine and fake amber, making it essential for buyers to know how to distinguish real amber from imitations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods to identify genuine amber, ensuring that you make an informed purchase.
Characteristics of Real Amber
Real amber has distinct characteristics that set it apart from imitations. Here are some of the key features of genuine amber:
1. Age and Origin: Real amber is ancient, typically millions of years old, and originates from fossilized tree resin. It is primarily found in the Baltic region, but other significant deposits exist in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Myanmar (Burma).
2. Appearance: Genuine amber can range in color from pale yellow to deep orange and even blue or green. It often contains inclusions such as bubbles, insects, or plant material, adding to its uniqueness.
3. Weight and Density: Amber is relatively lightweight with a density ranging from 1.05 to 1.10 g/cm³. This makes it lighter than most stones and easily distinguishable by its feel.
4. Texture and Feel: Real amber is warm to the touch and can become electrically charged when rubbed against wool or silk, attracting small particles like dust or paper.
5. Smell: When heated or rubbed, real amber emits a distinctive pine-like, resinous smell, which is one of its most recognizable traits.
Physical Testing Methods
1. Visual Inspection
Start by examining the amber under natural light or a magnifying glass. Look for the following characteristics:
Inclusions: Genuine amber often contains natural inclusions like insects, plant material, or bubbles. These inclusions should appear organic and irregular, not too perfect or synthetic.
Surface Imperfections: Real amber may have surface imperfections or cracks due to its natural formation process.
Color: Natural amber has a range of colors but typically does not have a perfectly uniform hue. Variations and gradations in color are common.
2. Density Test
The density test involves floating the amber in a saline solution. Here’s how to do it:
Preparation: Dissolve 7-8 teaspoons of salt in a glass of water, creating a saturated saline solution.
Test: Place the amber piece in the solution. Real amber will float, while most imitations will sink. However, some plastic imitations may also float, so this test should not be the sole method of verification.
3. Heat Test
The heat test can be risky but is effective if done carefully:
Procedure: Gently heat a needle or pin and press it against a hidden part of the amber.
Observation: Real amber will emit a pine-like smell and produce a white or light yellowish smoke. Plastic imitations will have a chemical or burnt plastic odor.
4. Static Electricity Test
Amber’s ability to generate static electricity when rubbed is a classic identification method:
Procedure: Rub the amber vigorously with a wool or silk cloth for about 30-60 seconds.
Observation: If the amber is real, it will attract small pieces of paper or dust particles due to the static charge.
5. UV Light Test
Under ultraviolet (UV) light, real amber exhibits a characteristic fluorescence:
Procedure: Place the amber under a UV light source (black light).
Observation: Genuine amber will typically fluoresce a bluish or greenish color, while some imitations might show no reaction or fluoresce differently.
Chemical Testing Methods
1. Solubility Test
Amber is resistant to most solvents, which can help distinguish it from some imitations:
Procedure: Place a small drop of acetone or alcohol on the amber.
Observation: Real amber will not be affected, while many plastics will become sticky or show surface damage.
2. Hot Needle Test
This is a more invasive test and should be performed with caution:
Procedure: Heat a needle until it is red-hot and press it into the amber.
Observation: Real amber will release a pine-like smell and not melt easily, whereas plastic will emit a harsh, chemical odor and melt readily.
Advanced Testing Methods
1. Infrared Spectroscopy
Infrared spectroscopy is a scientific method used to identify the molecular composition of amber. This test requires specialized equipment and expertise:
Procedure: A sample of amber is analyzed using infrared spectroscopy equipment.
Observation: Real amber has distinct absorption bands, particularly around the 1725 cm⁻¹ wavelength, which are not present in synthetic materials.
2. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
GC-MS is a highly accurate method for identifying the chemical composition of amber:
Procedure: A small sample of the amber is vaporized and analyzed using GC-MS equipment.
Observation: The resulting chromatogram will show a pattern specific to natural amber, differentiating it from imitations.
Professional Appraisal and Certification
For high-value amber pieces, professional appraisal and certification from a reputable gemological laboratory can provide definitive authenticity:
Gemological Institutes: Institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) offer expert analysis and certification services.
Documentation: Certified amber will come with documentation detailing its origin, age, and authenticity.
Common Amber Imitations
Understanding common amber imitations can help you avoid purchasing fake products. Here are some frequently encountered substitutes:
1. Copal
Copal is immature resin that has not fully fossilized into amber. It is often used as an amber substitute:
Age: Copal is much younger than amber, typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand years old.
Solubility: Copal is soluble in alcohol and acetone, unlike amber.
2. Plastic
Plastic imitations are widespread due to their low cost and ease of production:
Appearance: Plastic can mimic the appearance of amber but often lacks the depth and natural inclusions found in real amber.
Heat Test: Plastic emits a chemical odor when heated, unlike the pine-like smell of genuine amber.
3. Glass
Glass can be colored to resemble amber but has distinct differences:
Weight: Glass is significantly heavier than amber.
Heat Test: Glass will not produce any smell when heated.
4. Reconstructed Amber
Reconstructed amber is made by fusing small pieces of amber together using heat and pressure:
Appearance: It may have a more uniform appearance and lack natural inclusions.
UV Light Test: It may not fluoresce the same way as natural amber.
Tips for Purchasing Amber
When buying amber, keep the following tips in mind to ensure you get a genuine product:
1. Buy from Reputable Sources
Dealers: Purchase amber from reputable dealers or jewelers with a proven track record.
Certificates: Look for amber that comes with a certificate of authenticity from a recognized gemological laboratory.
2. Ask for Documentation
Origin: Request information about the amber’s origin and age.
Inclusions: Ask about any inclusions and their nature.
3. Be Wary of Low Prices
Market Value: Genuine amber is valuable, and significantly lower prices may indicate a fake or imitation product.
4. Verify Before Buying
Tests: Perform some of the simple tests mentioned above, such as the static electricity or UV light test, before making a purchase.
Professional Appraisal: For high-value purchases, consider getting a professional appraisal.
Conclusion
Identifying real amber requires a combination of visual inspection, physical tests, and, when necessary, advanced scientific methods. By understanding the unique characteristics of genuine amber and being aware of common imitations, you can make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to counterfeit products. Whether you’re a collector, jeweler, or simply an admirer of this ancient gemstone, the knowledge provided in this guide will help you distinguish real amber with confidence.
FAQs
How can I avoid purchasing fake amber?
Buy from reputable dealers or jewelers with a proven track record, look for certificates of authenticity, ask for documentation about the amber’s origin and inclusions, and be wary of significantly lower prices. Perform simple tests like the static electricity or UV light test before purchasing high-value items.
Why is the smell test important for identifying amber?
Real amber emits a distinctive pine-like, resinous smell when heated or rubbed, which is a key identifier. In contrast, plastic imitations produce a harsh, chemical odor when subjected to the same tests.
Can inclusions in amber help verify its authenticity?
Yes, natural inclusions like insects, plant material, or bubbles in amber appear organic and irregular, adding to the uniqueness and authenticity of the piece. Synthetic inclusions often look too perfect or uniform.
What should I do if I’m still unsure about the authenticity of amber?
If you’re still unsure, consider getting a professional appraisal or certification from a reputable gemological laboratory. This provides a definitive assessment and documentation of the amber’s authenticity.