How to Tell Real Amber from Fake: A Comprehensive Guide
Amber, fossilized tree resin, captivates with its warm glow and ancient history. But its desirability also makes it a target for counterfeiters. Knowing how to distinguish real amber from imitations is crucial, whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious buyer. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of various testing methods, helping you confidently identify genuine amber.
What are the common imitations of amber?
Before delving into identification techniques, let's understand what materials are often passed off as amber. Common imitations include:
- Copal: A younger resin, often mistaken for amber due to its similar appearance. However, it's significantly softer and less durable.
- Plastic: Various plastics, particularly those designed to mimic amber's color and translucency, are frequently used in counterfeits.
- Glass: Glass imitations can be surprisingly convincing, especially if expertly crafted.
- Pressing: This involves compressing smaller pieces of amber or amber-like materials to form larger pieces. These are technically real amber but significantly less valuable.
How can I test amber for authenticity?
Several tests can help you determine the authenticity of a suspected amber piece. However, remember that no single test is foolproof, and combining multiple methods provides the most reliable results.
1. The Saltwater Test:
This is a popular home test. Amber has a lower density than saltwater, so it will float.
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Method: Prepare a saturated saltwater solution (dissolve as much salt as possible in water). Carefully place the piece in the solution. If it floats, it's likely amber. If it sinks, it's probably a fake.
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Important Note: While effective for many imitations, some plastics can also float. This test isn't conclusive on its own.
2. The Hot Needle Test:
This test relies on amber's unique thermal properties.
- Method: Carefully heat a needle and gently touch it to an inconspicuous part of the piece. Real amber will smell faintly of pine resin and may slightly melt, leaving a small, sticky residue. Plastic will produce a strong, unpleasant odor and may melt excessively or even burn. Caution: Use extreme care to avoid damaging the piece or injuring yourself.
3. The UV Light Test:
Amber exhibits fluorescence under UV light, although the intensity and color vary depending on the type of amber.
- Method: Use a UV lamp (blacklight) and shine it on the piece. Genuine amber usually fluoresces a blueish-white or greenish-white. However, some plastics also fluoresce, and some amber may not show fluorescence at all, making this test unreliable alone.
4. Examining the Inclusions:
Natural amber often contains inclusions – tiny bubbles, insects, or plant matter trapped within the resin during its formation.
- Method: Carefully examine the piece with a magnifying glass. Authentic amber typically has naturally occurring inclusions that appear three-dimensional and randomly distributed. Fake amber often has artificial or uniformly placed inclusions.
5. Checking for Surface Texture:
Genuine amber usually possesses a smooth, slightly oily surface.
- Method: Examine the surface carefully. Real amber will feel smooth to the touch, while some imitations might feel rougher or more plastic-like.
Is there a definitive test for real amber?
Unfortunately, there's no single, foolproof method to definitively determine amber authenticity. The combination of several tests, like the saltwater, hot needle, and UV light tests, combined with a close visual examination of inclusions and texture, offers the best chance for accurate identification.
Where can I get my amber tested professionally?
For high-value pieces or when absolute certainty is needed, it's best to consult a professional gemologist or amber expert. They possess specialized equipment and expertise to conduct more advanced tests, such as refractive index measurement or spectroscopy.
Remember, using a combination of these methods increases your chance of identifying genuine amber. Proceed with caution, especially when using the hot needle test, and prioritize safe testing practices.
