How to Identify Real Amber from Imitations
By Natalie Inger
Because amber is a lightweight organic fossil resin, imitating it using lightweight plastics and synthetics is possible. Imitations or more comonly made to fake an insect inside rather than making a fake piece in general. Below there is a list of some simple tests to make sure you are not dealing with an imitation piece.
There is a substance known as copal (immature resin) which is often passed off as amber. Copal is said to be immature because all the volatile terpenes haven't left the resin, which is a geological processes that occurs over millions of years. Therefore it is younger in age than true amber and will not stand up to the following tests. Plastics and synthetics, such as celluloid and bakelite, also react differently to the tests than amber.
The most common and easily made imitations of amber are plastics. Celluloid is a thermoplastic mae of cellulose nitrate and camphor. When these materials are rubbed together though, they give off the aroma of camphor and do not create a strong electrostatic charge as amber does. The following are the easiest and most available tests for real amber:
Simple 2 minute "Do it yourself" tests
1) Static Test
Amber has an interesting property of becoming electrostatically charged when rubbed, as well as being warm to the touch. The charge attracts lint and dust particles. So the simplest and safest way to test for amber would be to simply rub your specimen and observe if it becomes charged.
2) Solvent Test
Immature resin copal and fake plastic amber deteriorate when in contact with a solvent. Plastics are quickly attacked by alcohol (95% ethyl alcohol), acetone (100%), and ether. A few drops of acetone (fingernail polish remover) or alcohol dripped over the surface of the piece will reveal if it holds up to the solvent. If the surface becomes tacky, it's not amber. Amber does not dissolve or deteriorate when in contact with these solvents.
3) Heat Test
Heating amber produces a pleasant aroma of burning pine wood and white smoke. Amber used to be used as incense for this fine property. Simply using a hot needle in a hidden spot on the amber in question will quickly give off an odor. If the amber is real then the odor should be smooth and pleasant, burning plastics or celluloid will give off an unpleasant smell or the odor of camphor. Be careful with this method, as it could ruin a nice piece of amber.
4) Buoyancy Test
Amber is very buoyant and floats in seawater. If seawater is not available, you can saturate water with salt. Just take about 2 1/2 tablespoons per cup of water, and you will see that most imitations sink in salt water.
Natalie Inger Read more on Amber Jewelry and Real Amber Article Source:
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