Real Amber?, and if not, how can one tell? |
Colorado Prospector - Gem and mineral prospecting and mining forums > Prospecting, Mineral Collecting and Treasure Hunting Forums > Gem and Mineral Specimen Finds or ProcessesReal Amber?, and if not, how can one tell? |
  Feb 1 2013, 02:50 PM
Post
#1
|
|||
 Master Mucker!  Group: Admin Posts: 7,208 Joined: 7-October 03 From: Colorado Member No.: 4  |
Amber is really cool stuff but how can someone tell if it is real or not?
 Here is a cool example of a piece that LOOKS like Amber...but is it really?
For a simple little test, one could heat up a needle till it is really hot and place the tip of the needle to the suspected piece. If it is fake...like this one is...It will melt a little hole into it. This test also works on Turquoise. 
I hope this info helps someone wondering about their Amber. 
-------------------- Education is the key to the future,
and participation opens the door to opportunity. Discover your prospecting independence & success! ColoradoProspector.com Owner/Webmaster Core team member ♥  |
||
 |
 
|
||
 |
|
Mar 6 2013, 03:44 PM
Post
#2
|
|
 Shovel Buster! Group: Members Posts: 60 Joined: 4-October 10 From: Sweden Member No.: 7,387 |
Amber is hardened resin.. a red hot needle against it will make it evaporate, leaving a lovely smell.
Plastic will have a...horrible smell..  Copal ('young amber') will give off the smell already when rubbed vigorously against a T-shirt. Don't know if you can ID reconstructed amber easily or at all? What kind of 'fake' turquoise can you ID with this method? Dyed Howlite obviously not. -------------------- Geologists are gneiss, tuff and a little wacke.
|
|
|
|
 |
| Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: 19th July 2025 - 12:58 PM |
