Authentic amber, fossilized tree resin, is a beautiful and valuable material. However, the market is flooded with imitations, making it crucial to know how to identify genuine amber. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to distinguish real amber from its counterfeits.
What are the common ways to tell if amber is real?
Several tests can help you determine the authenticity of amber. These range from simple visual inspections to more involved methods. Let's explore each:
1. The Saltwater Test:
This is a widely known and relatively easy test. Does amber float in saltwater? Yes, genuine amber has a lower density than saltwater.
- How to perform the test: Mix a saturated solution of salt and water (approximately 1 cup of salt per 1 cup of water). Carefully place the amber piece in the solution. If it floats, it's a strong indicator that it is real amber. If it sinks, it's likely a fake. Important note: While this test is helpful, it's not foolproof. Some imitations might have a similar density.
2. The Heat Test (with caution):
This method involves cautiously applying heat to the amber. Be extremely careful as this can damage the piece.
- How to perform the test: Gently rub the amber against your teeth. Real amber will feel slightly sticky. Alternatively, heat a needle and carefully touch it to the amber. Real amber will give off a distinctive pine-like scent. However, this method carries a high risk of damaging the amber, especially if you're inexperienced. Therefore, it's advised to use this test only as a last resort or if you have an inexpensive sample.
3. The UV Light Test:
Many types of amber fluoresce under UV light.
- How to perform the test: Expose the amber to a UV (ultraviolet) light. Genuine amber will often exhibit fluorescence, typically showing a blue or bluish-white glow. However, not all amber fluoresces, and some imitations might mimic this property, so it's not a definitive test on its own.
4. Visual Inspection:
Careful observation can often reveal clues to authenticity.
- Look for inclusions: Real amber often contains inclusions – tiny insects, plant materials, or air bubbles trapped within the resin. These inclusions are often a tell-tale sign of authenticity. However, some imitations are created with inclusions, so this is not a definitive proof of authenticity.
- Examine the color and clarity: Amber comes in a wide range of colors, from honey-yellow to deep red. While color alone isn't definitive, inconsistencies in color and cloudiness can sometimes indicate a fake.
- Check for uniformity: Consistent color and lack of visible imperfections might suggest an imitation. Authentic amber often displays natural variations in color and texture.
5. Professional Appraisal:
The most reliable way to determine if amber is real is to have it professionally appraised by a gemologist or expert in amber identification.
- Why professional appraisal is important: Experts possess the knowledge, equipment (like refractometers), and experience to conduct thorough tests and provide definitive results.
What materials are often used to imitate amber?
Several materials are frequently used to mimic amber, including:
- Plastic: This is the most common imitation. It's often difficult to distinguish from real amber without proper testing.
- Copal: This is fossilized resin, but younger than amber, and therefore less valuable.
- Glass: Glass imitations are often more easily identified due to their consistent color and lack of inclusions.
How can I avoid buying fake amber?
- Buy from reputable dealers: Choose sellers with a strong reputation and positive reviews.
- Ask for certificates of authenticity: Reputable dealers will often provide documentation confirming the authenticity of their amber pieces.
- Do your research: Learn to identify the characteristics of real amber before making a purchase.
- Don't be swayed by excessively low prices: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
By utilizing a combination of these tests and employing cautious purchasing practices, you can significantly increase your chances of acquiring genuine amber. Remember, while individual tests are not always conclusive, using a multi-faceted approach offers the best chance of verifying authenticity.
