How to Authenticate Amber: A Comprehensive Guide to Testing for Genuine Amber

Amber, a fossilized tree resin, has been treasured for centuries for its beauty and purported healing properties. However, the popularity of amber has also led to the proliferation of imitations, making it essential to know how to distinguish genuine amber from fakes. This comprehensive guide will provide you with various methods, from simple home tests to more advanced techniques, to help you confidently identify real amber.

Understanding Amber: What Makes It Special?

Before diving into the tests, it’s crucial to understand what makes amber unique. Genuine amber possesses several characteristics that distinguish it from its imitations:

* **Origin:** Amber is formed from the resin of ancient trees that lived millions of years ago. Over time, this resin fossilizes and hardens into the gemstone we know as amber.
* **Composition:** Amber is primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with trace amounts of other elements. It’s an organic gemstone, unlike minerals which are inorganic.
* **Density:** Amber is relatively lightweight and has a low density, typically ranging from 1.05 to 1.096 g/cm³.
* **Electrostatic Properties:** Amber becomes electrically charged when rubbed, attracting lightweight objects.
* **Inclusions:** Genuine amber often contains inclusions such as insects, plant matter, or air bubbles, which are trapped within the resin during its formation. These inclusions are often seen as a hallmark of authenticity.

Common amber imitations include glass, plastic (such as celluloid, Bakelite, or epoxy resin), copal (immature amber), and other resins.

## Quick and Easy Home Tests

These tests are simple and can be performed at home with readily available materials. However, remember that no single test is foolproof, and it’s best to use a combination of methods for a more accurate assessment.

### 1. Visual Inspection

* **Look for Inclusions:** Examine the amber closely with a magnifying glass. Genuine amber often contains inclusions like insects, bubbles, or plant debris. While some fakes also incorporate inclusions, they often appear unnatural or too perfectly positioned. Inclusions in fake amber often appear obviously placed and lack the detail and complexity found in genuine amber.
* **Check the Color and Transparency:** Amber comes in various colors, including yellow, orange, brown, red, and even blue or green. The color can vary depending on the type of tree resin and the conditions during fossilization. Real amber is usually translucent to transparent, although some pieces may be opaque due to inclusions or weathering. The color in fake amber is often uniform and lacks the subtle variations found in genuine amber. Extremely bright or unnaturally intense colors should raise suspicion.
* **Observe the Surface:** Genuine amber often has a slightly uneven or textured surface due to its natural formation process. Fakes, particularly those made of plastic, may have a perfectly smooth and polished surface.

### 2. The Saltwater Test (Density Test)

This test relies on the density difference between amber and common imitations.

* **Prepare the Solution:** Dissolve a generous amount of salt (at least 3 tablespoons) in a cup of water. The goal is to create a solution with a density greater than that of amber.
* **Observe the Behavior:** Place the amber piece in the saltwater solution. Genuine amber should float, while most common imitations (glass, plastic, copal) will sink. Copal might sometimes float slightly, but it will not float as high as genuine amber.
* **Important Considerations:**
* Make sure the water is saturated with salt. If the amber sinks, add more salt until it floats.
* This test isn’t foolproof as some types of plastic can also float in saltwater. However, it’s a good initial indicator.
* Porous or heavily included amber may absorb some water, which can affect its buoyancy. Dry the amber thoroughly after the test.

### 3. The Static Electricity Test (Electrostatic Test)

Amber develops a static charge when rubbed, allowing it to attract small, lightweight objects.

* **Rub the Amber:** Rub the amber vigorously against a piece of wool, silk, or cotton for about 20-60 seconds. Ensure the cloth is dry and clean.
* **Test the Attraction:** Hold the rubbed amber near small pieces of paper, hair, or dust particles. Genuine amber will attract these objects due to the static charge. Plastic imitations may also develop a slight static charge, but the attraction will be weaker and less pronounced than with genuine amber. Copal, being less fossilized, will generally not generate a significant static charge.
* **Important Considerations:**
* Ensure the amber and the cloth are dry and free of any oils or coatings, as these can interfere with the test.
* The strength of the static charge can vary depending on the amber’s quality and the rubbing technique.
* This test is more reliable in dry environments, as humidity can dissipate the static charge.

### 4. The Hot Needle Test (Caution: Use with Extreme Care!)

**Warning:** This test can damage the amber and release potentially harmful fumes. Perform it with extreme caution in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling the fumes. It’s best to perform this test on an inconspicuous area of the amber or avoid it altogether if you’re not comfortable.

* **Heat the Needle:** Heat a needle or pin with a lighter or stove until it’s hot. Do not make it red hot.
* **Apply the Needle:** Gently touch the heated needle to an inconspicuous area of the amber.
* **Observe the Result and Smell:**
* **Genuine Amber:** Will produce a pine-like or resinous smell when heated. The point of contact might become slightly sticky. It will not melt easily.
* **Plastic:** Will produce a chemical or plastic-like smell when heated. It might melt or burn easily, creating a dark, acrid smoke.
* **Copal:** Will produce a faint, sweet, and somewhat resinous smell, but it will be much weaker than the smell of genuine amber. It will also become sticky and soft much faster than amber.
* **Important Considerations:**
* Perform this test in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes.
* Use a small, inconspicuous area to minimize potential damage.
* If you are unsure about the smell or the reaction, err on the side of caution and assume the amber is not genuine.

## More Advanced Tests (Require Specialized Equipment)

These tests require specialized equipment and are typically performed by gemologists or jewelry professionals.

### 1. UV Fluorescence Test

* **Procedure:** Expose the amber to ultraviolet (UV) light, both shortwave and longwave. Genuine amber typically fluoresces under UV light, exhibiting a blue, green, or yellow glow. The intensity and color of the fluorescence can vary depending on the amber’s origin and composition. Copal will also fluoresce, but its fluorescence is usually whiter and more chalky than that of amber. Plastics usually show little to no fluorescence.
* **Interpretation:** The color and intensity of the fluorescence can provide clues about the amber’s origin and authenticity. However, some treated or modified amber may also exhibit fluorescence, so this test should be used in conjunction with other methods.

### 2. Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

* **Procedure:** FTIR is a non-destructive analytical technique that uses infrared radiation to identify the chemical composition of a material. When applied to amber, FTIR can generate a spectrum that is unique to amber and can be used to distinguish it from other resins and plastics. The spectrum reveals the presence of specific organic compounds that are characteristic of amber. The “Baltic Shoulder” is a feature found in Baltic amber FTIR spectra that is absent in other materials.
* **Interpretation:** By comparing the spectrum of the sample to known amber spectra, experts can determine if the sample is genuine amber and potentially identify its origin. This is considered one of the most reliable methods for authenticating amber.

### 3. Density Measurement (Specific Gravity)

* **Procedure:** Using a density meter or a hydrostatic balance, accurately determine the density of the amber. As mentioned earlier, genuine amber typically has a density between 1.05 and 1.096 g/cm³. Imitaions will have different densities.
* **Interpretation:** While the saltwater test provides a general indication of density, this method provides a more precise measurement. However, density alone is not sufficient to authenticate amber, as some imitations may have a similar density. It’s more useful when combined with other tests.

### 4. Refractive Index Measurement

* **Procedure:** Measure the refractive index of the amber using a refractometer. This requires a trained gemologist to perform correctly.
* **Interpretation:** Amber typically has a refractive index between 1.539 and 1.545. While this test can help differentiate amber from some imitations, it’s not definitive as some materials can have similar refractive indices.

## Identifying Copal vs. Amber

Copal is immature amber, meaning it’s a younger resin that hasn’t fully fossilized. It’s often sold as amber, but it’s less durable and valuable. Here’s how to distinguish copal from amber:

* **Hardness:** Copal is softer than amber and can be scratched easily with a fingernail. Amber is much harder and more resistant to scratching.
* **Solvent Test:** Apply a drop of acetone or alcohol to the surface of the sample. Copal will become sticky or tacky, while amber will be unaffected. Be cautious when using solvents, and test in an inconspicuous area.
* **Smell Test:** Copal’s smell is sweeter and less resinous than amber’s when heated. The hot needle test described above can be used to differentiate the smells.
* **Surface Condition:** Copal often has a sticky surface and will sometimes show a crackled or crazed surface due to its incomplete fossilization. Amber will feel smooth and hard.

## Tips for Buying Amber

* **Buy from Reputable Dealers:** Purchase amber from established and reputable jewelers or dealers who specialize in amber.
* **Ask for Certification:** Inquire if the amber comes with a certificate of authenticity from a gemological laboratory.
* **Examine the Piece Carefully:** Use a magnifying glass to inspect the amber for inclusions, surface texture, and any signs of tampering.
* **Be Wary of Very Low Prices:** Genuine amber can be expensive, especially for larger pieces with interesting inclusions. Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true.
* **Trust Your Instincts:** If something feels off about the amber, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid the purchase.

## Conclusion

Authenticating amber can be a challenging task, but by using a combination of the tests described in this guide, you can increase your chances of identifying genuine amber. Start with the simple home tests and, if necessary, consult with a gemologist for more advanced testing. Remember that no single test is foolproof, and it’s essential to use your judgment and common sense when evaluating amber. With knowledge and careful observation, you can confidently appreciate the beauty and value of this ancient gemstone.

By mastering these methods, you’ll be well-equipped to discern genuine amber from its many imitations, ensuring you acquire only authentic pieces that hold true value and beauty.