Amber is an ancient natural material used in jewelry and antiques, and is characterized by its unique beauty and the presence of insects or plants preserved inside it. With the increasing imitation of amber using other materials, it has become necessary to know how to distinguish between real and fake amber. One of the easiest ways to test amber is to use water, based on that we will learn how to use water to verify the authenticity of amber and what are the simple steps you can follow to conduct this test yourself.
What is natural amber?
Amber is a fossilized organic resinous material, formed from the sap of ancient trees that has seeped over time and fossilized into the substance we know. It can range in color from light yellow to deep orange, and sometimes contains ancient insects or plants preserved within the material itself. These properties make amber a very valuable material due to its deep history and diversity.
It is important to know that amber is not a stone or a mineral, but rather an organic material, and therefore has properties that are different from other materials such as plastic or glass. Because of this, authentic amber is easy to check when you know its natural properties.
The importance of knowing the original amber
Knowing how to distinguish between real and fake amber is essential if you want to buy or collect amber pieces. There are many materials that resemble amber, such as plastic or treated glass, but these materials do not have the same unique properties as natural amber. If you want to avoid falling into the trap of fake materials, you need to know how to examine amber carefully.
Testing amber with water is an effective and easy way to find out if a piece is real or not. This test is based on the properties of amber that do not react with water like fake materials.
Using water to test genuine amber
Water is a simple but effective tool for testing amber. When you place a piece of amber in water, you should notice that it is not affected by it. Genuine amber does not dissolve in water and does not change its shape or color. This means that the piece in front of you is real amber.
Conversely, counterfeit materials such as plastic or glass may react with water, either by changing color or shape, or may show other signs of reaction such as chemical emissions. Therefore, water is an important means of detecting any tampering with the piece.
Tools required for water testing
Water testing does not require any complicated equipment. All you need is a glass of water and a piece of amber. The water should preferably be clean and at room temperature, as warm water may be more effective in showing results. Place the amber in the water and carefully observe its behavior. If the piece remains as it is without any signs of change, it is authentic.
The difference between amber and fake stone
The most important characteristics that distinguish amber from fakes are texture and weight. Genuine amber is relatively lightweight and has a warm, smooth texture. If the piece feels too heavy or feels cold to the touch, it may be a fake. Additionally, when tested with water, the piece should be clear and firm with no signs of reaction.
Another difference is that real amber can contain ancient insects or plants preserved inside, which is another clue to its authenticity. Fake materials, on the other hand, usually do not contain these natural impurities.
How to prepare water for amber testing
When testing amber with water, it is best to use pure water, free of impurities or chemicals that may affect the result. Fresh water is the best choice because it does not contain any additives that may alter the reaction. Avoid using water that contains additives such as chlorine or salts because these may affect the amber or cause abnormal reactions.
It is best to use room temperature water (around 20-25°C) when testing amber. If the water is too cold or too hot, it may change the behavior of the amber and affect the test results. Room temperature water allows you to observe the natural reaction of amber to water without any interference from surrounding conditions.
Steps to test amber in water
Gently place the amber piece into the glass of water. Make sure the piece is completely submerged in the water and not floating on the surface. You can use a small spoon or measuring tool to safely place the amber in the water. Do not make any vigorous movements while placing the piece as this may change the way it interacts with the water.
When you put amber in water, you need to watch it carefully. Genuine amber does not react with water, so the piece should remain as it is without changing in color or shape. If you notice the piece starting to react or showing any changes, it is likely a fake. Materials such as plastic or glass can melt or warp when placed in water, while genuine amber will retain its natural shape.
Important notes during the examination
A common mistake when testing amber with water is not using clean water. Always make sure that the water does not contain any impurities or materials that may affect the results. Also, some people may think that amber should float on the surface of the water, but this is not true. Genuine amber usually remains stable in the water without floating or sinking excessively.
Also, keep in mind that water alone is not the only factor in determining the authenticity of amber. You may need to use other methods to examine the piece, such as examining the texture or weight, to be absolutely certain that it is authentic.
To be sure of the results of the amber water test, you must carefully observe the reaction. If the piece appears the same shape and color after being placed in water, this indicates that it is an authentic piece.
If there are any changes in color or shape, whether it is dark or starting to melt, this indicates that the piece may be fake. It is also best to make sure to weigh the amber before and after placing it in water, as real amber remains light without any noticeable changes in its weight.
Tips for preserving amber
After examining the amber with water, you may need to clean it carefully to maintain its color and luster. Use a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush to clean it. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents that may damage the amber. Simply wipe the amber with a cloth slightly dampened with lukewarm water.
Amber is a delicate material, so it should be handled with care. Avoid exposing it to high temperatures or using chemicals that may affect its nature. Also, make sure to store it in a dry and safe place away from any sources of heat or excessive moisture. It is best to store amber in a velvet bag or special boxes to keep it away from scratches or any potential damage.
Ultimately, testing amber with water is a simple and effective way to verify its authenticity, but don't forget that there are several other ways to help you verify its authenticity. Preserve your amber by taking care of it and protecting it from conditions that may affect its quality and value.