How to Identify Genuine Amber from Fake Amber
Amber, a fossilized tree resin, has been prized for its beauty and therapeutic properties for centuries. Often used in jewelry, ornaments, and even in traditional medicine, amber is a symbol of nature’s enduring allure. However, with the increasing demand for amber, counterfeit products have become more common. For enthusiasts, collectors, and buyers, distinguishing genuine amber from fake amber is crucial. This article explores the various methods to identify authentic amber and offers practical tips to ensure that your purchase is the real deal.
What Is Amber?
Amber is not a gemstone, but rather fossilized tree resin that has undergone a process of polymerization and oxidation over millions of years. It is often golden or honey-colored, although it can also come in shades of green, red, and even blue. The transparency of amber can vary, and it sometimes contains inclusions such as trapped insects, plant matter, or air bubbles. These inclusions are one of the key characteristics used to determine the authenticity of amber.
Real amber is lightweight, warm to the touch, and carries an undeniable earthy fragrance when rubbed. Its historical and scientific significance adds to its value, as it often contains well-preserved ancient life forms.
The Common Types of Fake Amber
Fake amber can be created using various materials, including plastic, glass, or resins that mimic the appearance of real amber. Some of the most common types of fake amber include:
- Copal: A younger resin, often mistaken for amber. It shares similar features but is not as old and does not have the same qualities.
- Plastic: A highly common substitute for amber, plastic is easily molded and dyed to resemble genuine amber.
- Glass: Some fakes are made from glass, which can be molded and colored to resemble amber but lacks the properties of natural resin.
How to Identify Genuine Amber: Methods and Tests
To identify whether amber is real or fake, several methods can be employed. While some of these require simple at-home tests, others may necessitate professional evaluation.
1. The Saltwater Test
One of the simplest ways to check for authentic amber is the saltwater test. Amber is lighter than most materials, so it floats in saltwater. To perform the test:
- Fill a glass with water and add a tablespoon of salt. Stir until the salt dissolves.
- Drop the piece of amber into the solution.
- Genuine amber will float, while most fakes, including plastic and glass, will sink to the bottom.
While this test is not foolproof (since some fake resins might float), it is a good first step in the process.
2. The Heat Test
Amber has a unique property in that it generates a faint fragrance when heated. To perform the heat test:
- Gently rub the amber between your fingers or heat it with a hairdryer or in warm water.
- After a few moments, smell the amber. Genuine amber will release a faint, earthy, pine-like fragrance due to the resin’s natural origin.
- Plastic and glass, on the other hand, do not emit any distinctive scent when heated, or they may produce a chemical smell.
This test should be conducted with caution, as excessive heat may damage the amber.
3. The UV Light Test
Another effective method for identifying authentic amber is the UV light test. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, real amber will glow with a distinct bluish-green hue. This glow is caused by the presence of certain chemical compounds within the amber. Fake amber, particularly plastic or glass, will not exhibit this fluorescence.
To perform this test:
- Use a UV light or a blacklight lamp (widely available online or in hardware stores).
- Hold the amber under the light in a dark room.
- If the piece is genuine amber, it will glow with a faint blue or greenish hue. Fake materials will not emit any glow or will glow with a different color entirely.
4. The Inclusions Test
Amber often contains inclusions like insects, plant matter, or air bubbles that provide insight into its authenticity. While inclusions are not an exclusive feature of amber, their presence can be a strong indicator that the piece is real.
To identify inclusions, use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe. Genuine amber will often have irregular, organic inclusions that appear trapped within the resin. Fake amber, especially plastic and glass, may have uniform, artificial inclusions or none at all.
Additionally, some synthetic ambers are made to resemble inclusions, but they often appear too perfect or symmetrical, which is not characteristic of natural amber.
5. The Scratch Test
Real amber is relatively soft compared to many other materials, so it can be scratched easily with a knife or a needle. However, this test is somewhat destructive and should only be done on pieces that are not of significant value or on pieces that you’re willing to test thoroughly.
- Take a sharp object like a needle or knife and gently scrape the surface of the amber.
- If it’s real, it should leave a small mark, and you may notice a faint powdery residue. Plastic or resin fakes, on the other hand, will often scratch more easily or may chip rather than scratch.
6. The Weight Test
Amber is a lightweight material compared to glass or stone. Genuine amber is about 1.1 times denser than water, so it will feel notably light for its size. If you have an object of comparable size made from glass or plastic, you can compare the weight to discern if the piece in question feels unusually heavy.
A heavier weight often indicates that the amber may be a fake, especially if it feels dense or overly solid for its size.
7. The Sound Test
Amber produces a soft, almost musical sound when tapped against another piece of amber or similar hard material. The sound is unique and is often described as “hollow” or “soft.” Fake amber, particularly plastic, will produce a dull or clunky sound when tapped.
To perform the sound test, gently tap the amber against another object and listen for its tone. A high-pitched, musical sound is a sign of authenticity.
8. The Professional Test
For the most reliable results, it is always a good idea to have amber professionally tested by a gemologist or a jeweler who is experienced in identifying gemstones and fossils. Professionals use advanced techniques like spectroscopy, refractive index measurement, and infrared analysis to confirm whether a piece is genuine amber.
Key Characteristics of Real Amber
To further aid in identification, it helps to understand the unique characteristics of real amber:
- Color: Natural amber can range from golden yellow to brown, green, and even blue. It may have a translucent or opaque appearance. The color may be uneven, with natural variations, especially near inclusions.
- Texture: Genuine amber often has a slightly waxy texture and feels warm to the touch. It does not feel cold and glass-like, unlike fake amber made from glass or resin.
- Inclusions: Real amber may contain visible inclusions such as small insects, air bubbles, or plant matter. These inclusions are irregular and often create a sense of uniqueness in each piece.
- Lightweight: Amber is notably lighter than glass or stone. It has a weight that is comfortable to wear and handle, unlike some counterfeit materials that may feel unnaturally heavy.
Conclusion
Amber’s rich history and unique appearance make it one of the most desirable materials in the world of jewelry and collectibles. Unfortunately, this popularity has led to the rise of fake amber, making it essential for buyers to develop the skills to differentiate real amber from imposters. By employing a combination of simple tests, such as the saltwater, UV light, and heat tests, you can protect yourself from purchasing counterfeit amber. However, for those uncertain of their findings, professional testing remains the most reliable option.
Ultimately, learning to identify genuine amber requires practice and attention to detail. Whether you’re a casual buyer or a serious collector, being equipped with knowledge about amber’s natural properties will ensure you make informed decisions and enjoy the authentic beauty of this ancient gem for years to come.