With amber’s rising fame, the market is flooded with fake jewelry pieces. Don’t be deceived! Dive in to discover how to distinguish real amber.
Keyword(s): real amber
To ensure you’re purchasing authentic amber, it’s crucial to avoid fake replicas. Amber contains succinic acid, which is renowned for aiding self-healing.
Genuine amber jewelry boasts distinct properties that make it superior to cheaper imitations. The surge in amber’s popularity is tied to its healing abilities and ancient heritage.
Wondering how to identify if the amber you want to buy is authentic?
Read on to find out more about recognizing real amber.
1. Take a Good Look
Begin your assessment with a simple visual inspection. Look for minor imperfections in the amber. Each bead should differ in shape and size. Genuine amber stones are rarely perfectly round.
Another sign of authenticity is the warmth of the stone in your hands, indicating real amber.
2. Salt Water Test
A widely used method to verify amber is the saltwater test. Authentic amber floats in seawater.
Follow these steps for the saltwater test:
- Collect 5-7 teaspoons of salt
- Get a large cup of water
- Mix the salt into the water
- Put the amber in the saltwater solution
- Observe if it floats or sinks
If the amber floats, it’s real. If it sinks, you’re looking at a replica. Genuine amber stones can float and are often found along the Baltic Sea shores.
3. Buy from a Reliable Source
Another essential tip is to purchase amber from a trustworthy source. At Artful Bracelets, we specialize in high-quality jewelry made with genuine stones. Authentic amber is soft and can splinter.
Some sellers may overcharge for amber. Use this guide to identify real or fake amber wherever you go.
4. A Real Amber Rubbing Test
A simple rubbing test can distinguish imitation amber from the real one. Rub the amber on your palm.
Note any scent you detect.
Does it smell like a pine tree? Amber emits a distinct fragrance when rubbed.
The warmth from rubbing releases this unique smell, confirming its authenticity. No smell means no real amber.
If you prefer not to rub the amber against your palm, there’s another method. Wrap the amber in a cloth and rub it for up to 20 seconds.
Afterward, hold the charged amber near your hair. If the amber is attracted to your hair, it demonstrates its electrostatic properties, indicating authenticity.
If this test fails, the stone is likely made from copal, a resin used in imitation pieces. Copal will feel sticky after rubbing and emits a sweeter smell.
5. Scratch It
Testing your amber’s authenticity can also involve scratching.
Amber scores 2.5 on the Mohs scale for hardness, a valuable metric for comparing mineral hardness.
Gently scratch the amber with your fingernail. Real amber will not show scratch marks.
Imitation amber, like manmade copal, has a hardness of 1.5 and will show marks from a fingernail scratch.
6. Hot Needle Test
For a more thorough test, use a hot needle.
This technique, considered highly effective, involves pressing a hot needle against the amber.
Baltic amber is fragile. If the needle pierces a plastic stone, it will melt. Real amber will crack instead.
Consider the stone size for this test, as small beads might not hold up. Larger amber pieces produce better results.
Plastic imitations will leave a mark where the needle was inserted, indicating the stone is not genuine and is manmade.
Learn More About Our Jewelry Collections
In conclusion, we hope this guide aids in distinguishing real amber from fake. Manmade amber, often created from copal, continues to enter the market.
Knowing the properties to look for is crucial when purchasing precious jewelry. Amber’s natural healing properties make it essential to verify its authenticity.
The saltwater test is an effective method for identifying real amber. Additionally, consider buying from trusted sources like our collection at Artful Bracelets.
Enhance your jewelry collection with our genuine amber stones set in sterling silver. Our stones are sourced globally, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, and come with a lifetime satisfaction warranty.
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