Much of what is sold as “amber” is plastic, glass, copal (young, immature resin) or pressed amber made of bonded fragments. Here is how to recognise natural Baltic amber – and where the tests reach their limits.
1. Salt water test
Dissolve as much salt as possible in a glass of water (about 3–4 tablespoons). Real amber floats; glass and most plastics sink. Note: this only works with loose amber – set jewellery will not float.
2. UV light
Under a UV lamp natural Baltic amber usually glows bluish to greenish. Imitations often do not glow at all, or glow in a flat, uniform way.
3. Warmth and weight
Amber feels warm and is surprisingly light. Glass is cold and noticeably heavier.
4. Static electricity
Rubbed on wool, amber attracts small scraps of paper. Not conclusive on its own – plastic does this too – but glass does not.
5. Smell (only at the seller’s, with permission)
Heated amber smells of pine resin, plastic smells chemical. This test damages the piece – never try it on your own jewellery.
6. Proof from the seller
The safest route: buy from sellers who explicitly state natural Baltic amber and include a certificate. For valuable pieces, a gemmological lab can confirm.
Pressed amber and copal
Pressed amber is made from fragments fused under heat and pressure – it is amber, but often streaky and cheaper. Copal is much younger, immature resin; acetone makes its surface sticky.
Amber at ZILVANO
We use only natural Baltic amber – neither pressed nor dyed – and include a certificate with every order. See Baltic amber jewellery.