Fake amber is a sample of the obsession we have to copy nature and how we have advanced in the methods of imitation of precious stones. Although in the case of false amber it is not something new, since since the beginning of the 18th century scientists had already found a way to synthesize amber. To do this, they used natural materials in the process with which they were able to create copies with very similar characteristics and appearance that they slowly introduced to the market. So many of these pieces were used in jewelry and their price was high.
Since then, technology has advanced and with it also the quality of synthetic materials. So it’s no wonder fake amber is flooding the gemstone market today. Since these are such beautiful stones that they imitate natural amber almost perfectly, in fact, even with an insect or spider inside. Which makes it harder to spot the difference, so any common person can be fooled.
However, someone with a good understanding of its healing powers, texture, and quality would be able to tell fake amber from real amber. So given its unique characteristics there are different tests that we can do to find out if it is real or not. Find out below what you should know about it.
Amber-like materials
Amber has many similarities. Therefore, being aware of its existence is crucial to being able to tell the difference. If you have purchased a genuine amber piece as recommended above, this should be easy. Here are some stones that imitate amber:
1. Copal:
Copal, a younger form of tree resin, is sometimes sold as amber because it resembles it. However, you can tell the difference as copal melts rather than burns at a lower temperature than amber (around 150 o C). After melting, Copal also gives off a sweet smell.
2. Glass:
Probably the easiest difference to point out, glass is more solid and cannot be scratched by metal. It will reflect light and break into pieces when thrown on the ground.
3. Phenolic resin:
They are mainly used in beaded jewelry. They have exactly the same shape and color as amber. This makes it difficult for someone to tell if a piece of jewelry made from phenolic resin is real amber or not. However, if you burn phenolic resin and it doesn’t give off the same pine scent that real amber does, the piece is most likely a fake.
4. Celluloid:
If you put celluloid and amber together, you won’t be able to tell the difference at first glance. However, if you were to burn celluloid, it would give off a burning plastic smell, which is a clear sign that the object is an imitation amber. Celluloid is also not as combustible as amber.
5. Casein:
Similar in appearance to amber, casein is made from milk. A heavier, plastic-like material, casein can be differentiated by burning it, as it also gives off the smell of burning plastic.
Tests to identify fake amber
Different tests can be done to determine if the amber you are buying or already have is real. Smell is said to be the most effective way to tell the two apart, as amber has a specific pine-like odor when burned. However, if you want to avoid burning your jewelry, here are some tests you can do to determine if your amber piece is real or a convincing fake:
1. The salt water test (easiest and most effective):
This test is extremely easy and effective. All you have to do is mix two cups of warm water with a quarter cup of salt in a bowl, then stir the mixture until the salt has completely dissolved. Once this is done, place the piece of amber in the solution. If the piece of amber floats to the top, then it is real amber.
2. The rub test (simple and no mess):
One of the easiest methods, when you rub real amber on the palm of your hand, it is said to give off its iconic scent. This occurs due to the heating effect produced by the friction between your hand and the piece of amber. If you use this method and there is no pine scent, your amber piece is most likely not authentic.
3. The Feel Test (simple and super easy):
Genuine amber is light and slightly warm to the touch. This is because it has been underground for millions of years and its chemical composition. You can tell fake amber that is made of glass from real amber because glass is harder, cooler, and heavier than real amber.
4. The hardness test (quick and uncomplicated):
Another important and easy way to check your piece of amber is by checking its hardness. By doing this test, you can immediately determine if the amber piece is real or not. Genuine amber is relatively soft. Most fakes are hard solids or have that plastic feel. With small beads, all you have to do is press them between your thumb and forefinger.
5. UV test (no experience needed):
If you have spent a lot of money to buy amber, this is the best test for you. To do this, you will need a UV lamp. Amber has a sort of blue or green color when placed under ultraviolet light. Therefore, if your piece of amber appears to be a different color when held up to the light, then it is fake amber.
6. Electrostatic charge test (simple and easy)
A very important distinguishing criterion is the electrical properties. Natural amber is a wonderful natural dielectric. When rubbed, amber is well electrified and retains a negative electrical charge on its surface.
Specifically, if a piece of natural amber is rubbed intensely against wool or silk, it will become negatively charged. So, to charge the amber, we will wrap it in a cloth and then rub it for a while (20-60 seconds).
After this, the next thing is to hold the piece of amber near a strand of hair. if we observe that the strand of hair is attracted to the stone, it is most likely real amber. But if we see that it was not electrostatically charged, but rather became sticky, then it means that it is copal.
7. The hot needle test (best done by amber experts):
This is a test that is primarily used to check for plastic counterfeits. If you stick a hot needle into a plastic object it will melt, however if the object is made of real amber it will start to crack. However, to distinguish the piece from other materials, be sure to smell the piece you have, and if it smells like pine resin, it’s probably genuine amber.
Note: Avoid doing this test on small amber beads as it can destroy the bead entirely.
8. Heating test (best done by amber experts):
This test is mainly used to check if the amber piece contains other materials. Natural amber contains tiny bubbles in its microscopic structure. When you apply heat to amber, these bubbles evaporate and make the amber piece transparent. The higher the temperature, the darker the amber becomes.
Note: Do not do this test on small amber pearls as they will melt completely.
Final considerations
Amber is a natural healing stone. Synthesizing and creating forgeries of the original only makes it difficult for those seeking help. The gemstone is also used as a catalyst for spiritual healing, making it an important part of many people’s lives.
This is why you should be careful when choosing amber for yourself or someone else. Not only could someone overcharge you for a fake, but you could also be unknowingly buying something that doesn’t possess healing properties.
While the tests we’ve mentioned in this article are great for amber you’ve purchased, it’s also wise to have any pieces of amber you’re considering purchasing checked by a professional. Of course, to reduce the chance of buying fake amber it is best to buy from a reputable source. Alternatively, you can also ask the seller to provide amber certificates of authenticity. Reputable and trustworthy vendors will have no problem providing you with this type of information.