Amber, with its warm glow and natural beauty, has captivated people for thousands of years. However, not all amber you come across is genuine. Fake amber is common in the market, and knowing how to distinguish real amber from imitations can save you from a costly mistake. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple yet effective methods to tell if amber is real.
What is Amber?
Amber is a fossilized resin from ancient trees that lived millions of years ago. It’s prized not only for its beauty but also for the fascinating inclusions it may contain, such as trapped insects or plant matter. Real amber is lightweight, warm to the touch, and often has a natural, earthy scent.
Why is it important to verify amber’s authenticity?
Real amber can be quite valuable, especially when it contains unique inclusions or comes in rare colors. On the other hand, synthetic or fake amber is often made from plastic, glass, or other resins and is worth far less. Knowing how to verify amber’s authenticity ensures you’re getting what you pay for and can help you avoid being scammed.
How to tell if amber is real: Common imitations of amber
Before diving into the tests, it’s helpful to know what materials are often passed off as amber:
Copal: A younger form of resin that is often confused with amber but is less durable and not as old.
Plastic: Easily molded into amber-like shapes, plastic is a common imitation.
Glass: Some glass can resemble amber but is heavier and colder to the touch.
Resins: Some resins are artificially created to mimic amber.
How to test if amber is real?
1. Visual inspection
One of the simplest ways to assess amber’s authenticity is by closely examining it:
Bubbles and Inclusions: Real amber often has small air bubbles or natural inclusions like plant matter or insects. However, these should look organic and not too perfect. If the bubbles are too uniform or the inclusions seem too pristine, it might be fake.
Surface Texture: Real amber is smooth but not perfectly polished. Tiny imperfections or a slightly uneven surface are normal in genuine amber.
2. Touch and temperature
Amber is warm to the touch compared to glass or plastic, which often feel cold. Holding the amber in your hand can give you a clue; if it quickly warms up, it’s likely real.
3. Float test
This simple test can help differentiate real amber from some of its imitations:
Procedure: Dissolve about 7-8 teaspoons of salt in a cup of water. Drop the amber into the solution. Real amber will float, while most imitations like plastic and glass will sink.
4. Scratch test
This test should be done cautiously:
Procedure: Amber is relatively soft, so you can gently scratch the surface with a needle or a fingernail. Real amber will show a whitish mark, while fake amber might flake or show a different color underneath.
5. Scent test
Real amber has a distinct smell when rubbed or heated:
Procedure: Rub the amber with your fingers or a soft cloth until it becomes warm. Real amber emits a pine-like, earthy scent. Alternatively, if you gently heat the amber with a needle or match (without burning it), it should release the same scent. Be cautious, as some imitations may release a chemical or plastic odor.
6. UV light test
Amber reacts uniquely under UV light:
Procedure: Place the amber under a UV light (blacklight). Real amber will fluoresce a pale blue or green color. Some fakes might also glow, but the color will be different, such as a bright blue or no glow at all.
7. Professional verification
If you’re still unsure after these tests, it’s best to consult a professional:
Gemologists: A certified gemologist can perform more advanced tests to determine amber’s authenticity.
Reputable Sellers: Always buy amber from reputable sellers who provide authenticity certificates.
Conclusion
Identifying real amber requires careful examination and a few simple tests. By using methods like the float test, UV light, and scent test, you can confidently tell if amber is genuine. Always remember that buying from reputable sources and seeking professional advice when in doubt is the best way to ensure you’re getting authentic amber. Whether you’re a collector or someone who simply loves the beauty of amber, these tips will help you avoid imitations and enjoy the timeless allure of this ancient gemstone. If you want to buy genuine handcrafted amber jewelry click here.
