How To Identify Amber

How to Identify Amber: A Comprehensive Guide

Identifying amber can be tricky, as many materials mimic its appearance. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to distinguish genuine amber from imitations, ensuring you can confidently identify this fascinating fossilized resin.

Key Characteristics of Genuine Amber

Amber, fossilized tree resin, possesses several unique characteristics that help differentiate it from its imitations. Let's explore these key identifiers:

1. The Feel and Weight:

• Warmth: Genuine amber feels surprisingly warm against the skin, a sensation often described as having a gentle warmth. This is due to its low thermal conductivity.
• Lightweight: Amber is relatively lightweight for its size. It won't feel as heavy as glass or plastic.
• Smooth Texture: While some amber pieces may have rough surfaces due to their natural formation, most possess a smooth, polished feel.

2. Optical Properties:

• Fluorescence: When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, genuine amber often exhibits fluorescence, glowing a pale blue or greenish-white hue. However, not all amber fluoresces, and some imitations might mimic this property, so it's not a foolproof test.
• Transparency and Inclusions: Amber ranges from transparent to opaque, often containing inclusions like insects, plant matter, or air bubbles. These inclusions are unique to amber and add to its value. Examine closely for these natural imperfections.
• Refractive Index: Amber has a distinctive refractive index, which is a measure of how light bends as it passes through the material. This can be measured with a refractometer, a tool commonly used by gemologists.

3. Testing Methods:

• Saltwater Test: This is a simple test. Amber floats in saltwater, while many imitations sink. To perform this test, dissolve a significant amount of salt in water until it becomes saturated (no more salt will dissolve). Gently place the amber in the solution; it should float.
• Heat Test (Use Caution): A small piece of genuine amber, when heated with a needle, will release a distinctive pine-like scent. Caution: This test should only be performed on a small, inconspicuous area and with extreme care, as excessive heat can damage the amber. This is not recommended for valuable pieces.
• Rubbing Test: Rubbing amber vigorously against a soft cloth can generate a static charge, causing it to attract small pieces of paper or dust.

Distinguishing Amber from Imitations

Several materials are often mistaken for amber. Understanding their differences is crucial:

• Copal: A younger resin that is sometimes sold as amber. It feels softer, less dense, and may exhibit a stronger odor when heated (compared to the more subtle pine smell of amber).
• Plastic: Plastics, especially those designed to mimic amber's appearance, are often heavier, lack the warmth and inclusions of real amber and generally fail the saltwater test.
• Glass: Glass is significantly heavier and usually lacks inclusions and the natural variations of colour found in amber.

Conclusion

Identifying amber requires a multifaceted approach. By carefully examining its feel, optical properties, and conducting simple tests (with due caution), you can significantly increase your confidence in differentiating genuine amber from imitations. Remember, combining multiple identification methods will provide the most reliable results. Always consult with a gemologist or expert if you have doubts about the authenticity of a piece, particularly if it's valuable.