Amber is one of the oldest stones used in jewelry and decorations, and it has a unique appeal thanks to its glowing appearance and multiple colors ranging from golden yellow to dark brown. But as you know, not all that glitters is gold, and here arises the need to understand the difference between natural and manufactured amber. In this article, I will take you on a journey to explore amber, its history, types, and how you can easily differentiate between natural and manufactured amber.
What is natural amber and how is it formed?
Natural amber is a fossilized tree resin that dates back more than 30 to 50 million years. Amber is formed when trees release resin to protect themselves from wounds, infection, or insect attack. Over time and as the resin is buried under layers of soil and sediment, it begins to fossilize under the pressure and heat of natural geological processes. After millions of years, this resin is transformed into what we now know as natural amber.
Where are the oldest sources of amber?
The Baltic Sea is believed to be one of the most important sources of amber in the world. Baltic amber is one of the oldest and most famous types. Natural amber can also be found in different regions around the world, such as the Dominican Republic, Myanmar (Burma), Mexico, and Canada. Each region contributes to the production of different types of amber with its own unique properties.
Types of natural amber
Natural amber comes in a variety of colors and shapes. Here are some popular types you may find on the market:
1. Baltic amber : It comes from the Baltic Sea region and is one of the oldest and most famous types.
2. Dominican amber : It is famous for its beautiful colors, which may contain distinctive blue shades.
3. Burmese amber : It comes from Myanmar and is characterized by its dark color and sometimes contains rare natural impurities such as insects or fossilized plants.
What is manufactured amber and how is it produced?
Synthetic amber is a synthetic material or synthetic resin that is designed to mimic natural amber. It is typically produced in laboratories or factories using chemicals that resemble natural resin in appearance and texture. Synthetic amber can be more flexible in design, as manufacturers can easily modify colors and inclusions to meet market needs.
How is manufactured amber made?
Making synthetic amber requires the use of chemicals such as polymers or synthetic resins. These materials are melted and molded into molds to look like natural amber. Sometimes manufacturers add fake inclusions such as bubbles or fake insects into the resin to give the product a more natural amber-like appearance.
Why is synthetic amber made?
There are several reasons behind the manufacture of synthetic amber, including:
- Cost : Natural amber can be very expensive, especially if it contains rare inclusions such as fossilized insects.
- Accessibility : Not everyone has the ability to afford natural amber, so manufactured amber gives them the opportunity to own similar jewelry or decorative pieces at lower prices.
- Design Control : Manufacturers can customize manufactured amber to be in specific colors or shapes not found in natural amber.
Ways to distinguish between natural and manufactured amber
When you decide to buy a piece of amber, it is important to be able to distinguish between natural and manufactured amber. Here are some methods you can use to verify the authenticity of a piece:
1- Salt water test
Natural amber is much lighter than synthetic amber. To tell the difference, you can place the amber piece in salt water (mix water with a large amount of salt until the solution is saturated). If the piece floats to the surface, it is natural amber. If it sinks, it is likely synthetic.
2- Smell test
When natural amber is gently heated or scratched, it will release a distinct piney odor, which is the result of the release of old oils left over from the tree resin. Synthetic amber, on the other hand, will release a chemical or plastic odor when heated or scratched.
3- Ultraviolet light test
Under ultraviolet light, natural amber emits a soft blue or green glow. This property is the result of chemical reactions that occur within natural amber due to the presence of ancient organic materials. Synthetic amber may not glow the same way or may appear a different color.
4- Hot needle test
You can easily do this test at home. Heat a metal needle and gently run it over the surface of the amber. If the amber is natural, you will notice a light smoke with a piney smell. If it is manufactured, the needle will easily penetrate the surface and give off a chemical smell.
5- Check for bubbles and impurities
Natural amber often contains air bubbles or inclusions such as insects or plant leaves. These inclusions are part of its historical formation. If you find a piece of amber that has perfect inclusions or evenly arranged bubbles, it is likely a factory. Natural amber is rarely "perfect," and the irregular inclusions enhance its authenticity.
Uses of natural and manufactured amber
Natural amber
- Jewelry : Natural amber is a popular material for making jewelry, especially necklaces and bracelets.
- Alternative Medicine : Natural amber is believed to have healing properties. In some cultures, it is used to relieve pain and calm the body.
- Antiques : Some large pieces of amber contain fossilized insects or plants, making them rare pieces that are displayed in museums or sold as high-value antiques.
Manufactured amber
- Imitation Jewelry : Manufactured amber is used to make imitation jewelry at a lower cost, making it available to a wider audience.
- Decoration : Manufactured amber is used in home decorations and other works of art.
- Industry : Manufactured amber is sometimes used in industrial applications due to its flexible properties and ease of shaping.
Market value of natural and manufactured amber
The market value of natural amber depends mainly on several factors, including:
1. Age : The older the amber, the higher its value.
2. Condition : Pieces that contain fossilized insects or rare natural inclusions may be much more expensive.
3. Source : Baltic amber or Dominican amber are often more expensive due to their higher quality.
Synthetic amber, on the other hand, has a much lower value and is not considered a long-term investment, as its value does not increase over time. It is often sold at lower prices than natural amber, but it can be a good option for those who want beauty without the large financial commitment.
Challenges Facing Amber Buyers
The amber market is full of counterfeiters who try to pass off manufactured amber as natural. This problem makes it essential to be aware of the different ways you can verify the authenticity of a piece. Even some trusted dealers may not always be aware that the piece they are selling may be manufactured, so you need to be careful.
Conclusion
At the end of the article, your decision between natural and manufactured amber depends on your budget and what you are looking for in a single piece. If you care about authenticity, natural beauty, and want to own a piece of history, natural amber is the perfect choice. But if you are looking for something beautiful at an affordable price, manufactured amber may be the perfect choice for you.