Real vs fake: Amber
Natural amber is fossilized resin. Plastic imitations often trap modern air bubbles in neat rows and may float differently in saltwater.
- Warm honey to deep cognac tones with soft glow
- Natural inclusions (insects, plant debris) look organic
- Static charge after rubbing (attracts paper)
- Slight pine-like scent if gently warmed
- Perfect spherical bubbles in rows
- Modern debris or printed 'insects'
- Sharp chemical plastic smell
- Mold seams on the edge
Field tests
- Saturated saltwater float test (many real ambers float)
- UV lamp: natural amber often fluoresces blue/green
- Avoid hot-needle tests on finished jewelry