Raw amber is one of nature’s most beautiful and fascinating materials, known for its warm, golden hues and organic origins. However, identifying raw amber, especially in its unpolished form, can be tricky for those unfamiliar with its unique characteristics. Whether you’re a collector, a jewelry enthusiast, or simply curious about this fossilized tree resin, understanding how to identify raw amber can help you distinguish genuine amber from imitations and other similar-looking substances.
Understanding What Raw Amber Is
Before delving into the identification process, it’s important to understand what raw amber actually is. Amber is a fossilized form of tree resin that formed over millions of years, preserving its natural beauty and occasional inclusions like insects, plant matter, or bubbles. Baltic amber, in particular, is highly valued for its clarity, color variety, and high concentration of succinic acid, which is believed to offer therapeutic properties.
Unlike polished amber, raw amber retains its natural surface texture, giving it a rugged, often matte appearance. This unrefined look can make it harder to identify, especially when it hasn’t been cut or polished for jewelry or ornamental purposes.
Look for the Unique Visual Characteristics
The first step in identifying raw amber is to visually examine the stone for its key characteristics. Genuine amber can vary greatly in color and texture, but there are some telltale signs to watch for:
- Color: While amber is commonly associated with shades of honey or golden yellow, it can also be found in hues ranging from red and brown to black and even white. Raw amber typically has a more opaque appearance compared to the clear, polished versions, but it can still have a subtle glow when held up to the light.
- Texture: The surface of raw amber often has an uneven, matte finish. You may see small imperfections or feel a slightly sticky texture, especially if the amber has been freshly extracted.
- Inclusions: Amber is famous for its inclusions—small fragments of ancient plants, insects, or bubbles trapped inside the resin during fossilization. While inclusions are not always visible in raw amber, they are a good indicator of authenticity if present.
Perform the Saltwater Test
One of the most reliable methods for identifying raw amber is the saltwater test. This test helps distinguish genuine amber from plastic or glass imitations.
Here’s how to perform the saltwater test:
- Mix about 1 part salt with 2 parts water (or about 7 teaspoons of salt in a cup of water) until the salt is fully dissolved.
- Place the raw amber into the saltwater solution.
- Real amber will float, while many imitations, including plastic and glass, will sink.
The saltwater test is an easy and effective way to verify if your amber is genuine, as amber’s low density allows it to float in this solution.
Check for Electrostatic Properties
Another unique characteristic of amber is its electrostatic properties. Ancient Greeks referred to amber as “electron” because of its ability to attract small particles when rubbed, which is where we get the modern word “electricity.”
To perform this test:
- Rub the amber vigorously with a soft cloth, wool, or fur for about 10-15 seconds.
- Hold the amber near small, lightweight items like pieces of paper or dust.
- If the amber attracts these small items, it is likely genuine. This electrostatic property is unique to amber and can help you distinguish it from plastic or other materials.
Use the UV Light Test
Amber has a distinctive reaction to ultraviolet (UV) light, which can help verify its authenticity. When exposed to UV light (like from a blacklight), real amber typically emits a soft blue or green fluorescence. This glowing effect is caused by the natural chemicals in the resin and is an easy way to spot genuine raw amber.
Imitations, such as plastic, may not react in the same way or could exhibit a different color under UV light. While this test doesn’t work 100% of the time, it’s a useful tool to combine with other methods.
Heat Test (Caution Required)
The heat test can also be used to identify raw amber, but it should be performed with care to avoid damaging the amber. When heated, real amber releases a pleasant pine or resin scent, while plastics or resins often emit an unpleasant, chemical odor.
To safely perform this test:
- Heat a needle over a flame until it’s hot.
- Gently touch the needle to a small, hidden area of the amber.
If it smells like pine or resin, the amber is likely real. Be cautious, as this test can leave a small mark on the amber.
Beware of Common Imitations
Several materials are commonly mistaken for amber, such as copal, a younger form of tree resin that has not fully fossilized. While copal shares some similarities with amber, it melts quickly under heat and lacks amber’s durability.
Other imitations include glass, plastic, and resins like Bakelite, which are often used in fake amber jewelry. By performing the tests mentioned above—particularly the saltwater and electrostatic tests—you can more easily distinguish raw amber from these materials.
