How to Tell Real Amber from Fake: A Comprehensive Guide
Amber, fossilized tree resin, captivates with its warm glow and ancient history. However, the market is flooded with imitations, making it crucial to know how to distinguish authentic amber from its counterfeits. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently identify genuine amber, ensuring you're making a worthwhile investment or acquiring a truly treasured piece.
What are the most common ways to tell if amber is real?
Several methods exist to authenticate amber. Combining multiple tests provides the most reliable results. Let's explore some of the most effective techniques:
1. The Saltwater Test: This is a simple and widely used home test. Amber has a lower density than saltwater, so it will float.
- How to do it: Mix a saturated solution of salt and water (roughly equal parts salt and water). Gently place the amber piece in the solution. Real amber will float, while most imitations will sink. Note that some very dark or dense amber might sink slightly; however, it will still mostly float.
2. The Heat Test: Amber softens when heated, releasing a characteristic piney scent.
- How to do it: Carefully heat a needle or pin and touch it to an inconspicuous area of the piece. Genuine amber will release a slightly pungent, pine-like aroma. Avoid overheating, as this can damage the amber. Caution: This method should be used with extreme care to avoid injury and damage to the piece.
3. The UV Light Test: Many types of amber fluoresce under UV light, exhibiting a blue or bluish-white glow.
- How to do it: Shine a UV (ultraviolet) light on the amber. Real amber often, but not always, displays a distinct fluorescence. The intensity and color of the fluorescence can vary depending on the type of amber. This test alone is not conclusive, as some imitations can also fluoresce.
4. The Friction Test: Rubbing amber creates static electricity, attracting small pieces of paper or hair.
- How to do it: Rub the amber vigorously with a clean, dry cloth. Bring the amber close to small pieces of paper or hair. Real amber will generate enough static electricity to attract them. However, this method is not always reliable, as some plastics can mimic this effect.
5. Examine the Inclusions: Authentic amber often contains natural inclusions, such as insects, plant matter, or air bubbles.
- How to do it: Carefully examine the piece with a magnifying glass. The inclusions in real amber appear naturally dispersed, with some depth and clarity. Counterfeits often have artificial inclusions that look poorly integrated or unnatural.
6. Check for Irregularities: Genuine amber rarely has perfectly smooth surfaces. Instead, it typically displays natural irregularities, bumps, and imperfections.
- How to do it: Look closely at the surface of the amber. Perfectly smooth, uniform pieces are a strong indicator of a fake.
7. Consider the Price: Genuine amber is a natural product and, as such, is not cheap. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
What are some common amber imitations?
Several materials are commonly used to imitate amber:
- Plastic: Many plastics are frequently used as amber substitutes. These often lack the unique properties of real amber, such as fluorescence and reaction to heat.
- Glass: Glass imitations can be quite convincing, particularly when colored to resemble amber. However, they typically lack the characteristic inclusions and irregularities of genuine amber.
- Copal: Copal is a fossilized resin similar to amber, but significantly younger. It is often sold as amber, despite its chemical differences. It generally feels softer and less dense than amber.
- Pressing: Many amber pieces are made by pressing together small fragments. While still amber, it is generally lower in value and often less aesthetically pleasing.
How can I be sure I’m buying authentic amber?
While home tests can help, definitive identification often requires professional expertise.
- Purchase from reputable sources: Choose sellers with a history of providing genuine amber and detailed documentation to support their claims.
- Request certification: Some reputable dealers provide certificates of authenticity for amber pieces.
- Seek professional appraisal: A qualified gemologist can perform comprehensive testing to verify authenticity.
By utilizing these methods and remaining vigilant, you can significantly increase your chances of acquiring genuine amber and appreciating its natural beauty and unique history. Remember, a combination of tests offers the best chance of accurate identification.
